Mixed weekend for United juniors

It was a mixed weekend for Gippsland United's junior sides, as the boys claimed two wins and three losses.
Under 12s pre-NPL: GUFC lost to Beaumaris 0-6
A foggy morning greeted Beaumaris at Latrobe City Stadium as Gippsland enjoyed a home game on Mother's Day.
It was a hot contest early as Beaumaris opened the scoring with a series of strong attacking plays, which had Gippsland on the defensive
Oliver Lee shone in defence, assisted by Liam Arbon and Lewis Manzo, with keeper Quinn Asmussen working hard to guard the goal.
The Gippsland boys got better as the first half wore on.
Connecting from defence, through midfield and into attack, through the run and good work of Sidney Box, Blake Breheny, Lucas O'Dowd and Isacc Sharp. They all worked hard to assist Hudson Reiss and Dino Grbic to try and push the ball forward and into attack.
In the second half Gippsland started to gain some momentum and run as striker Harry Lee came on with impact, almost scoring from an intercept and a long volley opportunity.
Romeo Vitale made repeated saves in goal and Ryan Ogg finished the game strongly at right back.
The boys continue to improve each week and played very well in patches, with greater consistency is a key focus each week.
Player of the match was Oliver Lee.
Under 13s pre-NPL: GUFC defeated Brighton 2-0
The under 13 United boys headed down to Brighton on what would be a glorious day off and on the pitch for their round four clash.
With both teams searching for their first win of the season it was bound to be a cracking encounter.
The game started at a quick pace, and it was the United boys that capitalised first with McCann-Diston hitting the back of the net after some nice link-up play.
Brighton kept trying to press forward, but with the defence being marshalled to perfection by Halkett-Dobson there was no way through.
With the ball being controlled in the midfield and out wide by Semmens, Sharp and Hermans, the boys looked well in control and started to create opportunity after opportunity.
McCann-Diston put another one away just before half time to see United go 2-0 up at the break.
The second half saw the boys remain in control but unable to add to the scoreboard, Brighton clearing several set pieces and free kicks on the goal line to ensure the score remained 2-0 at the full-time whistle.
There were plenty of smiles and satisfaction post-game with the players and coaches starting to see the reward for effort from the training track.
Under 14s JBNPL: GUFC lost to Mornington 1-4
A disappointing loss for the boys (and their mums) to Mornington at home on Mother's Day.
Gippsland started the match brightly, putting pressure on the Mornington defence for much of the first half.
After numerous shots on goal that failed to find the back of the net, Maurice Baldacchino scored a blinder from the right-wing midway through the first half.
Several excellent saves from goalkeeper Christian Guarascio combined with strong defensive play by Ethan Bruce, Declan Paku and Fraser Smith, and the game looked good at half time with Gippsland leading 1-0.
The cold foggy morning had the coffee machine jumping and the hot chips popular, providing a welcome distraction as the second half began with Mornington equalising the score.
With several Gippsland players recovering from recent illnesses, they lacked their usual intensity and were unable to capitalise on their chances in the second half.
Three more goals from Mornington and the match points were won.
The sun finally made an appearance as the final whistle blew, the boys will shake this one off and be back to their usual best next week against Bentleigh Greens.
Other scores:
Under 15s JBNPL: GUFC defeated by Mornington 0-1
Under 18s JBNPL: GUFC defeated Mornington 2-0