Soccer
Joe Tweats and Bailey Head are the latest players to arrive on the local scene after joining Langwarrin and Peninsula Strikers respectively.
Tweats, 23, was signed from Northcote City and came off the bench in the second half of Langwarrin’s 3-1 home win over Moreland City on Saturday.
The midfielder had youth experience in both England and Spain before arriving in Western Australia and playing with Perth Glory then Sorrento. Northcote signed him for the 2024 season.
“Joe is a player we have liked since he came across from Western Australia and he compliments the players we have in midfield,” Langwarrin gaffer Jamie Skelly said.
“He’s the type of player that will do well within our system and structure.”
Tweat’s circuitous route to his present destination was trumped by Head, who joined Strikers from Hampton East Brighton.
Head’s junior career took him to Altona Magic and Altona East, Makati FC (Philippines) and Abu Dhabi (UAE), and his senior clubs include Manchester Metropolitan University, Port Melbourne, Eltham Redbacks, Collingwood City and Hampton East Brighton.
The 24-year-old defender has been in rehab under the supervision of Kosta Drak (747 Fitness) after being injured during pre-season. He played in Strikers’ reserves on Sunday.
“Bailey’s a very good player and he’s a great person,” Strikers’ head coach Scott Morrison said.
“He gives us good depth for the run home and will hopefully contribute strongly for our push for promotion.”
Langy’s Winning Form
Although Tweats came on late in Saturday’s Lawton Park success, he must have been impressed with what he saw. Langwarrin had its fifth win in the past six games.
In all, it has amassed 16 out of a possible 18 points – the best six-game haul in the club’s NPL/VPL history.
Saturday’s win started with a converted penalty by Lucas Portelli after Moreland keeper Max Minuzzo brought down Tom Youngs in the 23rd minute.
Nine minutes later it was 2-0 after Youngs finished low inside the far post following a defence-splitting Portelli pass.
Portelli’s performance stood out for his smooth control and passing range, reinforcing his status as one of the top defenders in VPL1.
Just before halftime, Northcote’s Ali Al Sheikh scored with a spectacular curling effort to make it 2-1.
Langy restored their two-goal cushion early in the second half. In the 51st minute, Brad Blumenthal set up Luke Goulding, who hammered home to make it 3-1.
Although Langy had more chances through Youngs, Ryo Takahashi and Archie Macphee, they finished comfortably.
State 1: Mornington Push On
Mornington kept its promotion hopes alive with a 2-1 win away at Mazenod.
Mazenod took an early lead via a Jack Hindle penalty, but Dylan Thomas equalised with a header from a Jacob Brito corner.
Kieran Dover scored the winner in the 69th minute, assisted by English import Liam Grimshaw who impressed off the bench.
State 2: Strikers Soar, Skye Held Late
Peninsula Strikers recorded a 3-0 win away at North Caulfield on Sunday.
Cambell Steedman opened the scoring after latching onto a Kyron Kerr pass and lobbing the keeper. Sam Maggs made it 2-0 in the 26th minute after capitalising on a defensive error.
North Caulfield missed a penalty in the second half, and Matt Harrington sealed the result in the 76th minute thanks to a Jordy May assist.
May was sent off in the final minute for a late challenge – the only downside to an otherwise dominant display.
Skye United drew 1-1 with Chisholm United after conceding from a 90th-minute corner.
Varmah Mgoneh had given Skye the lead in the first half. Despite multiple chances to extend the margin, they couldn’t close it out and remain four points off second place.
State 4: Chelsea Top, Somerville-Rosebud Thriller
Chelsea drew 1-1 at home to Baxter, but the result was enough to move them top after Endeavour United lost 1-0 to Springvale City.
In a thrilling derby, Somerville Eagles and Rosebud drew 3-3. Goals came from Josh Simmons, Jack Gorbert and Nick Simmons for Somerville; Ashton McMahon scored a hat-trick for Rosebud.
Rosebud’s keeper Colin McCormack went off injured, prompting a debut for Charlie Gunning.
Frankston Pines lost 3-0 away to FC Noble Hurricanes and remain winless. Ali Sina Rezai was sent off in the 61st minute.
State 5: Seaford Close In
Mount Eliza lost 1-0 away to Pakenham United, slipping in the promotion race.
Seaford United took full advantage, beating Endeavour Hills Fire 2-0. Zain Ahmad scored after a long clearance from keeper Hayden Hicks, and Blake Hicks added the second from a rebound.
Mount Martha lost 3-1 to Casey Panthers, with Archie Thomas scoring. Aspendale went down 3-1 to Bunyip District, helped by a late own goal from Tynan North.
Next Weekend Fixtures
Friday, 11 July – 8.30pm
- Casey Comets v Skye Utd, Comets Stadium
- Chelsea v Frankston Pines, Edithvale Recreation Reserve
Saturday, 12 July – 3pm
- Mornington v Beaumaris, Dallas Brooks Park
- Peninsula Strikers v Noble Park Utd, Centenary Park
- Somerville Eagles v FC Noble Hurricanes, Westernport Secondary College
- Mount Eliza v Fortuna 60, Emil Madsen Reserve
- Aspendale v Keysborough, Aspendale Gardens Sports Ground
- Mount Martha v Cleeland Utd, Civic Reserve
Saturday, 12 July – 6pm
- Rosebud v Baxter, Olympic Park
Seaford Utd – BYE
