United juniors take centre stage

It was a big weekend for Gippsland United's junior Metro Development Squads, who took centre stage thanks to a bye week for the club's senior men's sides and Boys Youth State League teams, and a forfeit for the women.

Under 10 boys
In Gippsland's third meeting with the Lynbrook Falcons, the home game at Baxter Park started off very evenly matched, with both teams playing some great football.
Freddy McFarlane scored early after pouncing on a rebound to open the scoring. Gippsland had many chances to further their lead, but just couldn't find the net thanks to multiple brilliant saves by the Falcons' goalkeeper.
The second half saw the strength of United shine through.
Playing one of his best games of the season, Sasha Wedrowicz finished beautifully after being found by a pass from Alex Ballie.
Alfie Hunt reacted quickest to another fine Falcons goalkeeper save to score his first of the day.
Deakin O'Dea then found Hunt again with a magical through ball far beyond his years, assisting Alfie to calmly slot home for 4-0, all within the first 10 minutes of the second half.
Gippsland controlled the remainder of the game for an eventual comfortable win against Lynbrook who have come such a long way since their first meeting early in the season.
Goalscorers: Freddy M, Sasha W, Alfie H (2)
Assists: Alex B, Deakin O
Under 11 mixed
The under 11s delivered an incredible effort, battling tough conditions with non-stop resilience and determination right up to the final whistle.
Every single player stepped up to show some of their best soccer of the season. They should all be very proud, despite the loss against Springvale City.
Under 12 boys
The under 12 boys took on Pakenham United this week, with the match finishing in a 7-1 defeat.
It was a difficult result for the boys, but they will look to regroup and take the positives into their next match.
Under 13 girls
The Gippsland United under 13 girls travelled to play Lynbrook Falcons at their home pitch in Cranbourne.
Starting off the game strong and giving her side an early lead, Libby Blake scored the opening goal off a great pass from Elsa Box.
Unfortunately Lynbrook responded strongly, scoring two awesome goals from just outside the box. With their heads up, Gippsland walked off the pitch smiling at half time.
After the girls had a very positive discussion at the break, they got back on the pitch ready for the second half. Lynbrook were also ready, scoring another great goal.
Sophia Baldwin then responded to this, driving through the centre and shooting just out of the goalie's reach, bringing the score to 3-2. Another goal by Lynbrook should have shaken the girls, but instead, it lit a fire in them.
They began to pass and move the ball, creating opportunities with amazing efforts from Elsa Box and Annabelle White, giving Blake a golden opportunity to score a goal off her left foot.
With the score at 4-3 and one minute on the clock, the girls rallied hard, setting up Blake to tie the game with yet another awesome left footed goal. The game ended in a 4-4 draw
Under 15 girls
The under 15 girls played a fierce home game at Baxter Park against Monash City Villarreal.
They fought hard from first whistle to last, displaying superb teamwork and unwavering determination. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.