SOCCER LANGWARRIN, Mornington and Frankston Pines were the only local teams remaining in the fourth preliminary round of the 2023 Australia Cup as we went to press. Skye United was due to host Collingwood City at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve on Monday this week so there’s a chance that four local participants will be in the round four draw with ties to be played as midweek matches in early April. State 2 promotion contender Peninsula Strikers was dumped from the cup last weekend going down 2-0 to State 3 opponent Williamstown while State 5 outfit Rosebud went down 4-0 to…
Author: Craig MacKenzie
SOCCER FRASER Maclaren faces three months on the sidelines while A-League legend Leigh Broxham has joined Chelsea as a club ambassador. Maclaren, Mornington’s first choice goalkeeper, will have surgery this week to repair knee damage following an incident in a recent friendly against Doveton. “It was an awkward landing and I knew straight away that I’d hyperextended and I felt it pop,” Maclaren said. “The meniscus tear is the main issue but I’ve done other things as well. “It certainly is the worst injury I’ve had and I expect to be out for three months. “Hopefully I have a speedy…
SOCCER BAXTER’s capture of Damien Miskulin, Langwarrin’s come-from-behind win and Australia Cup controversy were the main talking points to emerge from an action-packed weekend. Late last week Baxter announced that it had clinched the signature of 26-year-old midfielder Miskulin who made 21 appearances last season for Doveton in NPL3. Miskulin had been with Melbourne Victory, Melbourne Knights and Dandenong City prior to joining Doveton. It’s rare for players in their prime to make a dramatic drop down the leagues but Miskulin had a simple response when queried about the move. “I’m going to Europe for four weeks and would have…
SOCCER IT’S a newlook Langwarrin that launches the league season on Saturday when it hosts Kingston City at Lawton Park at 7pm. Scott Miller has brought in 13 players from other clubs during the off-season in a major squad makeover that the local club hopes will deliver a successful campaign. “Pre-season’s been really enjoyable and the characters we’ve brought in have had a really positive effect on the group,” Miller said. “I sat down last week and looked at the league and seven of those clubs have been in NPL1 while two are A-League clubs. “Compare that to Langwarrin who…
SOCCER MARINOS Panayi quit Frankston Pines last week and captain Ryan Ratcliffe is trialling with Casey Comets. And Rosebud has secured the goalkeeper it sought by luring former Langwarrin, Peninsula Strikers and Knox City custodian Colin McCormack out of premature retirement. State 5 club Rosebud was delighted to secure McCormack after losing Hayden Hicks to Seaford United. Rosebud coach Paul Truman had been trying out two younger keepers and was keen to sign an experienced gloveman. “Signing Colin is a big plus for us,” Truman said. “Having an experienced keeper is so important if we’re to build a really competitive…