Author: Craig MacKenzie

SOCCER SEAFORD United was the only local club to survive last weekend’s round of FFA Cup matches. The draw for the next round was due to be conducted today (Tuesday) as we went to press. Langwarrin, Mornington, Peninsula Strikers and Skye United all entered this week’s draw so just five local clubs out of 12 who contested Australia’s premier knockout competition in 2020 remain in the hunt for glory. Harry McCartney reports that Seaford had to endure a nerve-racking penalty shootout against visitor Brunswick Zebras on Saturday. The local outfit won that showdown 7-6 after the sides were locked together…

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SOCCER SEAFORD United and Chelsea were the only local clubs to survive last weekend’s round of FFA Cup matches. Chelsea defeated Laverton 5-3 on penalties after the sides were locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes. Chelsea’s goal came from last year’s club top scorer Tom Woods seconds before the end of normal time. At North Seaford Reserve on Sunday the home side triumphed 3-0 over Albert Park in a match highlighted by the sending off of Albert Park’s Kyle Maclean in the 22nd minute, a twice saved penalty in the second half by Seaford keeper Justin Holland and the appearance…

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SOCCER THE wait is finally over. Four Fijian internationals fly in to Melbourne today (Tuesday) to play for Frankston Pines. Last week the Monterey Reserve outfit received news that visa applications for the quartet had been approved and flights were promptly organised. The recruits are 20-year-old midfielder Savenaca Baledrokadroka, 19-year-old goalkeeper Asaeli Batikasa, 20-year-old defender Peni Tuigulagula and 20-year-old striker Tito Vodowaqa. Baledrokadroka captains Fiji’s under-23s and has also made seven full international appearances for the national team. Pines gaffer Kevin “Squizzy” Taylor has seen Tuigulagula and Vodowaqa in action at the Pacific Cup in New Zealand last year and…

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SOCCER ROSEBUD agreed terms with Mark Pagliarulo last week breaking up the most prolific strike partnership in local ranks. Pagliarulo and goalscoring legend Dave Greening powered Somerville Eagles to the State 5 South championship last season but the dynamic duo are no more. Between them they nabbed 49 goals in 2019 as Somerville cruised to the title with a nine-point margin. Both fielded a number of offers recently with Greening deciding to remain at Somerville while “Pags” has flown the nest. Before settling on the switch to Olympic Park the big Scot turned down a lucrative offer to sign for…

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SOCCER PLAYER-coach Matty Morris-Thomas believes that Seaford United can challenge for the State 4 South championship this season. He already has agreed terms with experienced midfielder Scott Webster and fellow veteran Shane Tagliaferro has trained and played in a practice match for the local club but Morris-Thomas has four more player targets in his sights and wants to move on them immediately. “Yeah we know who we want and if you come down to training next Thursday you might even see them there but we won’t make any announcements until they’re over the line,” Morris-Thomas said. “Look we had a…

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