U14’s Boys 3 – Green Gully 2
A hard fought win for Coach Kosta’s boys as they start to build momentum this season. Drawing to 2nd place Oakleigh Cannons last week, now beating 3rd place Green Gully, the boys are showing some great signs of improvement. Fired up to secure themselves a win, Bentleigh started strong yet were put on the backfoot after conceding first. Conceding the first goal lit a fire under the boys, who kept fighting to find their first. Equalising from an easy tap in, Bentleigh took all momentum into the break. Coming out firing in the second half, Bentleigh capitalised on a goalkeeper fumble to take the lead. A penalty gave Bentleigh a two goal buffer, but were given a late scare as Green Gully converted a penalty with a minute left in the game.

U14’s Girls 15 – Maccabi 0
A massive win for the girls, highlighted by more than half the team scoring a goal. Playing on the main pitch, the girls were able to utilise the wide open space and get the ball down the wing. Working on crossing and playing the ball wide in training, the girls were able to execute their game plan perfectly. Up 7-0 at half time, Coach Jasmine asked the girls what they should be doing better and the team responded by wanting to work on communication and taking more shots. Rotating the line-up so that players got to try every position and hoping to get everyone on the scoresheet, the girls continued to score. Great job girls!

U15s Boys 1 – North Geelong 0
A great contest against a tough opponent, this was a vindicating win for Coach Pasq’s side who have had some close loses over the past few weeks. A change of formation seemed to make all the difference this week, recently Pasq would start with two forwards then play a third forward after half time. This week the team started with three forwards, and their combined forward pressure paid off. Bentleigh had the greater number of chances in the half, despite being 0-0 at half time. Coach Pasq told the boys to keep going, and they’ll find themselves a goal. The aggression from the forwards paid off, winning a penalty and converting to give the boys the lead. An all-round complete team effort, as Coach Pasq praised his players for creating chances and stopping any possible North Geelong chances.

U16s Boys 1 – North Geelong 3
A disappointing lose to Sait’s boys, who have unfortunately slumped to three straight loses. Their opponents were physically tougher and hungrier from the get go. Scoring first from the penalty spot, Bentleigh seemed to have the momentum early on before North Geelong clawed their way back. Down 2-1 at halftime, Coach Sait told the boys that their build up play was good, but the final shot was lacking. North Geelong started the 2nd half strong and continued press Bentleigh, until finding their third goal.

U18s Boys 3 – Green Gully 1
Another great win for Coach Chris’ boys, who continue to build momentum this season. An exciting start to the game, Bentleigh found an open man at the back post to open the scoring. Bentleigh’s opening goal woke up Green Gully, who then scored themselves, only for their goal to wake up Bentleigh. Scores level at 1-1, both teams’ intensity lifted towards the end of the first half. At halftime, Coach Chris told the boys to stick to their plan. If they couldn’t find a goal one way, there would be other ways to score. The boys were told to support the wingers, and win more battles in the midfield. Fired up in the second half, Bentleigh found the net twice from a cross to secure the win.

U18s Girls 2 – Berwick 3
A loss that was hard to stomach made worse by wet conditions, the girls had the lead early in the second half before Berwick came storming back. A balanced first period, Bentleigh struck first to take the lead. Berwick proceeded to find three goals within the last ten minutes of the half to erase Bentleigh’s advantage. At halftime, Coach Anthea reminded the girls they were on top and that Berwick had only taken three shots, all resulting in goals. The score line could have possibly been different as their starting keeper was out injured, alongside five other players in the squad of eighteen. As the rain died down in the second half, the girls looked like the better side, as they were able to find a second goal to chip the keeper. The girls kept pushing for an equaliser but eventually ran out of time.

Written by Aiden Zeccola