Above: Take that, goalie! Casey’s Paul Presti appears to be fly kicking the South Springvale goalkeeper, but surprisingly, Presti, who narrowly missed the goals, avoided any contact with the oncoming keeper.
By Gavin Staindl
THE Doveton Soccer Club has cleared itself of any relegation concern … for now.
The Doves pulled off a comprehensive 2-1 upset over Old Scotch at Waratah Reserve, but little did they know how important this result would be.
Heading into Saturday’s Division 3 match, Doveton held a six-point cushion over Croydon Arrows in the drop zone.
But when Croydon snatched three points with a shock away win on Saturday, that cushion turned into a featherless pillow.
However, two important goals by Doveton on Saturday returned some much-needed strength to the buffer as it prepares for its most important game of the season.
Doveton will venture to Croydon on Friday night in a clash that will likely decide who plays where in 2012.
MEANWHILE, Berwick City’s struggles continued with a 0-3 loss to Fitzroy at Jack Thomas Reserve.
But all eyes will be on this week’s clash when Berwick City hosts its first Monday night encounter.
After installing lights bright enough to illuminate half of Casey earlier in the year, Berwick’s Friday night showdowns have proved a hit for the locals.
But Berwick City officials are hoping for even greater numbers to turn out on Monday night when Berwick takes on North Caulfield.
DIVISION 2 side Casey Comets were in disbelief after going down to South Springvale 3-2 at Comets Stadium.
Players and supporters alike were stunned after South Springvale snared the winner only moments after Casey veteran Tony Saunders scored what appeared to be the game-breaking goal.
Coming off the bench after a stint on the sidelines due to injury, Saunders latched onto a ricochet off the crossbar and tucked the ball home to level the scores at 2-2.
Such was the dominance by Casey at this time, even the South Springvale supporters conceded, “Casey will score again”.
But only moments later, a quick Springvale counter-attack opened up the sporadic but lively Springvale striker Ken Athiu, who headed home the winner.
The goal seemed to suck the life out of Casey, who, after 30 dominant minutes of soccer, could not do enough in the dying minutes to secure another equaliser.
IN Provisional 2, Endeavour United thrashed Keysborough 6-2 at Reema Reserve, while Casey Kings had its match against Caulfield postponed until 3 September.
