Sale United Football Club’s senior women established themselves as clear leaders in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League after a 5-1 win over Newborough/Yallourn United in Round 16.
Despite failing to register a squad in 2022, Newborough/Yallourn United Soccer Club has emerged as an unsuspecting top-table contender in the LVSL’s 2023 season, entering Round 16 equal-second with Fortuna 60 with a game in hand.
The stakes were raised after Fortuna defeated Churchill 7-0 last Saturday night, and both Sale and NYU entered Sunday’s match with something to fight for.
A win for Sale would put the Swans five points clear of second position with a game in hand.
A win for NYU would keep the Valley outfit equal-second with Fortuna with a game in hand.
The Combine put Sale United to the test in what would conclude as a hard-fought game from both sides.
Sale United were quick to score, with Anouk Meereboer finding the back of the net to give Sale a 1-0 lead in the fourth minute.
The Swans contained play within their attacking half, and while pressure was on for NYU’s defensive line and midfield, Sale struggled to convert and advance their lead, missing a string of chances.
It was a cross from left winger Isabel Hearsey to Meereboer in the 22nd minute, which saw Sale extend their lead.
Meereboer received the ball inside the 18-yard box and fired it into the top-right corner, giving the Swans a 2-0 lead.
NYU was tenacious in their work rate, unwavering in their efforts to curtail Sale’s lead and keep victory in reach.
A goal from Angela Knersch in the 28th minute propelled NYU back into the game, Sale now only leading by one.
Within minutes, just passed the 30-minute mark, Meereboer found the back of the net a third time, boosting Sale’s advantage to 3-1 and earning herself a hat-trick.
The Swans’ defensive line and midfield were determined to ensure nothing untoward happened when teams returned after the break, thwarting NYU’s attacking advances.
Emma Robb and Naomi Mcpherson stood out among Sale United’s back line, with the defenders exercising a rigorous work rate across the entire 90 minutes.
Two goals from Hollie Ryan in the 55th and 76th minute sealed Sale United’s 5-1 victory.
Sale United’s senior men possibly caused the season’s biggest upset, toppling Newborough/Yallourn 3-1, the Swans’ first win against Newborough in six years.
The Combine opened the scoring after Sale centre-back Alan Harris gave away an early penalty.
Jake Richardson stood between the posts for Sale United. Despite Richardson’s valiant dive to the right, NYU’s Mark Fairbrother found the back of the net, striking the ball to the left side of the goal, putting the visitors ahead 1-0 in the eighth minute.
It was competitive end-to-end football, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert.
Just as it looked as if NYU were about to retire for the break with the lead, a late first-half equaliser from Lewis Staplehurst sent both teams to the rooms level 1-1.
A goal from Charlie Cockell in the early doors of the second half put Sale in the lead.
A stunning goal from Sakhon Khamchom in the 65th minute extended the Swans’ lead 3-1, cementing Sale United’s 3-1 victory.
Jamie Penn and Kieran Horgan were standouts for Sale United.
NYU defeated Sale United in the reserves competition.
Dylan Fairbrother scored the match-winner in the Combine’s 1-0 victory.
Monash Soccer Club were nowhere to be seen on Sunday morning.
Monash’s failure to appear for their second division match against Sale United White saw the Swans claim all three points in Round 16.
Sale United Green had the bye.
Sale United host Moe tomorrow in Round 17 of the Latrobe Valley Soccer League.
