Saturday (catch up): U14 Boys – 0 Saint Albans – 1

Sunday: U14 Boys – 2 Berwick – 1

Facing the top of the table side, Coach Pas’ boys put on their best performance of the year against Saint Albans. The boys impressed the opposition coach with their physicality and aggression so much, that he told them that Saint Albans has never been pushed like that during their season and that the boys should keep going. Coach Pas knew the Saint Albans were known for their physicality and toughness, and had the boys prepare for it during training. Saint Alban’s leading goal scorer and the TIDC striker was the difference between the two sides, scoring a top class goal, taking five touches and scoring from 30 yards out. The boys strong performance Saturday was enough to lift spirits for Sundays game to win 2-1.

Saturday (catch up): U15 Boys – 0 Pascoe Vale – 4

Sunday: U15 Boys – 2 Bulleen Lions – 1

Mixed bag of results for Pas’ under 15s on the weekend. Bested by a strong Pascoe Vale outfit, Bentleigh were second to the ball all day and weren’t able to create any chances. An unlucky penalty was all the opening Pascoe vale to open their account. Losing the ball too often, Bentleigh gifted Pascoe Vale a second goal early after half time. Pascoe Vale’s tough fast football was no match for Bentleigh in the end. The result may have been souring, but it was enough to fire up the boys for their Sunday game. Coming out firing the next day, Bentleigh took home three points after scoring from the last kick of the game. Coach Mich said he was proud of the boys character and turnaround.

Saturday (catch up): U16 Boys – 6 Eltham Redbacks – 0

Sunday: U16 Boys – 1  Avondale – 2

A mixed bag of results from Coach Kosta’s boys. A good goal difference booster against Eltham, and a competitive outing against Avondale.

Saturday (catch up): U17 Boys – 1 Saint Albans – 3

Sunday: U17 Boys – 2  Avondale – 0

A tough loss on Saturday for Coach Chris’ boys, going down to a scrappy Saint Albans. In tough conditions away, the boys were on the front foot early, scoring in the first ten minutes. Saint Albans clawed their way back, levelling scores at halftime. Coming back from the break, the boys seemed complacent, and Saint Albans smelled blood. Losing the ball too much, Bentleigh conceded twice in the second half in a disappointing result. Looking for a strong result to bounce back, Coach Chris was eager to remind the boys that Saturday was not the football they are capable of. Last time these teams faced off, Bentleigh won 3-1 in a competitive game. Knowing that Avondale were no pushovers, the pressed hard and found themselves in front from a cross headered from the back post. At halftime Coach Chris told the boys he loved seeing that the boys had a complete turnaround from Saturdays game. Asking for more of the same in the second half, the boys delivered a complete performance and put in a solid shift to secure the three points.

U14s Girls  – 2  Bayside Argonauts – 1

A confident under 14s girls side were on target, winning a tough contest against Bayside Argonauts. Coach Billy’s main message was for the girls to try their luck from distance, and to always test the keeper when they have space to shoot. An even first half left both teams scoreless, with Billy reiterating that a goal will come if the girls kept trying their luck. Five minutes into the second half Bentleigh took the lead, only for it to be snatched away five minutes later. With scores locked into the later stages of the half, a lucky penalty went Bentleigh’s way after an unlucky Bayside Handball.

U17B Girls – 3  Mount Martha – 1

With three girls out and no subs on the bench, Coach Anthea’s girls pulled off a great performance against 2^nd placed Mount Martha. Taking the lead in the first half, Bentleigh went on the front foot to put more pressure on. A quick counter from Mount Martha had scored levelled into halftime. Coach Anthea never needed to say much in order to fire up the girls, as they were frustrated to concede late in the half. The girls maintained a positive view on the game and came out firing. A corner to the back post gave the girls the lead, and the win was solidified with a 1v1 with the keeper. The girls were brought down to ten late in the game due to a bloody nose, but the player returned to the field to finish off the win.

U16/17A Girls – 2  St Albans Dynamo – 2

Tough result for Charlie’s under 16/17 girls, sharing the results with a competitive St Albans outfit. A up and down start to the game saw St Albans take the lead after chipping the keeper, despite Bentleigh holding majority possession. Coach Charlie asked the girls to take more risks in the final third, feeling confident that the girls can put one away if the opportunity presents itself. Bentleigh took the lead after scoring twice from creating chances in the middle channel. Despite providing more in attack in the second half, Bentleigh conceded late to share the points. Coach Charlie would like to thank the under 19s goalkeeper for playing with them.

U19 Girls – N/A

Due to their opponents forfeiting the league, the U19s took home three points without lifting a finger.

Written by Aiden Zeccola