Under 14s

The first away game of the season for the Under 14s found Gippsland playing against Oakleigh Cannons at Jack Edwards Reserve.

It was a fast-paced start in wintery conditions, with both teams mounting a strong defence until Patrick Frayne managed to break through and score a goal for Gippsland at the 10 minute mark.

The score was equalled 10 minutes later despite the best efforts of the defence who had managed to repel several Oakleigh attempts on goal.

The first half was a close and intense contest, with both teams having several opportunities to score.

Bill Prior was a standout on the left wing. However, superb displays of defensive play on both sides held the score to a one-all draw at half time.

An early goal in the second half gave Oakleigh the lead, which they were able to capitalise on to bring the score to 3-1.

Ciaran Toomey had a chance to reduce the deficit with a goal in the second half, but much to the dismay of the boys, it was ruled offside.

The home team continued to dominate the game, taking the three points with a 4-1 win.

Under 13s

The curse of a slow start would come back to haunt the Under 13 Gippsland United Football Club boys as they took on early league leaders, Glen Eira, at home in front of a good crowd considering the inclement weather.

Glen Eira got off to a flyer, scoring in the first minute and then again in the 16th to take an early 2-0 lead.

United started to rally with some strong work down back by Halkett-Dobson and also in the midfield by Herman’s as he started to link up with the forwards.

Despite all the hard work, United conceded an own goal on the brink of half time to go into the break 3-0 down.

The second half saw a big step up in intensity by the Gippsland lads as they controlled play and started to give it back to their physical opponents.

Diston-McCann again hit the back of the net for a second half brace.

The final score was Glen Eira 5 – Gippsland United 2.

Under 12s

Gippsland faced the toughest assignment in the competition, playing away to a powerful Dandenong City outfit.

As they knew they would be, Gippsland was tested early, with the Dandenong midfield making repeated forward entries and creating scoring opportunities.

Lewis Manzo, Liam Arbon and Oliver Lee stuck together as a back three to hold out many attacks, with Romeo Vitale excelling again in goal.

Sid Box, Dino Grbic, Blake Breheny and Isaac Sharp started to connect well through the middle of the pitch, creating play and holding possession with confidence.

Hudson Riess played a crucial role, scoring his first goal of the season from a great string of passes. Ryan Ogg had great impact in defence in the second half, as did Quinn Asmussen in goal, while Harry Lee and Lucas O’Dowd ran hard through the middle and attack, as the team started to really match it with the benchmark side.

This was by far the most positive and controlled game of the season so far from Gippsland, filling the team with belief for their matches ahead and pleasing coach Manzo.

Player of the match was Hudson Riess in the 11-1 defeat.

In other games, the Under 18s had the bye, while the 15s game against Port Melbourne was cancelled due to the condition of the pitch.