U14’s Boys 2 Langwarrin 1

U14’s Girls 3 Brighton 0

A great way to cap off the season for Coach Jasmine’s girls, who were told to enjoy their last game together and get around their team mates. Uncertain if the team will be together next year, Jasmine wanted to girls to enjoy their time on the pitch. Holding a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break, Coach Jasmine in her final halftime address let the players control the discussion on what they want to do. The girls have improved leaps and bounds this year, and Coach Jasmine has done a fantastic Job bringing this team together. Well done girls!

U15’s Boys 1 Port Melbourne 1

An uneventful game saw Bentleigh share the points with Port Melbourne. Both sides sit in the bottom half of the table and were fighting for pride. Both sides were limited on players on the bench, and it showed as limited rotations affected the energy of both teams. Port took the lead early in the first half, yet Bentleigh scraped back an equalizer in the second. Both sides failed to create clear cut chances, but tussled back and forth in the midfield for possession.

U16’s Boys 1 Port Melbourne 1

A close draw for Coach Sait’s side, yet the performance could not have made him prouder. Missing six of his starting players, Sait needed to see players step up their intensity and they did just that. Port were organised at the back and limited Bentleigh’s chances, but an incredible goal from a corner kick (see below) gave them the lead. Port Melbourne found an equalizer early after halftime, but the Bentleigh defence was determined to stay in the game, with the goalkeeper stopping five one on one chances late in the half. Coach Sait was proud of the spirit his players showed in the tough draw.

U18’s Boys 1 South Melbourne 0

A great effort to hold onto a lead under pressure, Bentleigh came away with a great win over rivals South Melbourne. Coach Chris reminded the boys of the aggression South showed in their previous encounter and wanted to see the boys match it. A lightning quick counter saw Bentleigh win and convert a penalty only fifteen minutes into the first half. Having the better attacking chances, Bentleigh forced South to play the ball long to little success. At Halftime coach Chris reminded the boys to anticipate the long ball and defend set pieces, as it seemed to be South’s only option to go to their taller players. Snuffing out any scrambles in the box, the boys held on in a very professional performance.

U18’s Girls 6 Mount Martha 0

A great way for the girls to cap off the season, topped off with Coach Anthea returning for the final game (albeit to fill in as linesman). Coach Philip wanted to give the girls a go in different positions, as he believed team morale and giving everyone an opportunity to score a goal this year was more important than the result itself. The move to put defenders upfront worked a treat as Bentleigh took a 4-0 lead into halftime. Even the goalkeeper got a run upfront, as the girls were full of energy and confidence. The team has made fantastic improvements all year under Coach Anthea and then Coach Philip. Who have done a great job bringing the team together. Great job Girls!

Written by Aiden Zeccola