SOCCER A CLOSER relationship with new NPL outfit Langwarrin could be the springboard which catapults Baxter into State 2 South-East. That’s the target that new Baxter gaffer Francis Beck and director of coaching Billy McLeod have set in an ambitious five-year plan for the State 4 South club. “We’re looking at two promotions in five years,” said Beck. “If we can do it then we’d call that success. “We’re not ready to be a State 1 club yet and you have to move up then consolidate but we think that what we are aiming for is achievable.” Baxter’s generosity in…
Author: Craig MacKenzie
SOCCER THERE is a remarkable talent in our midst and she only turned 12 in September. Alana Murphy was five when she played her first game for Langwarrin. She scored twice at Lawton Park that day and she’s been scoring goals for fun every since. She is the second youngest member of Victoria’s mini National Training Centre squad which competed in the 2017 women’s NPL under-15 competition. Her team beat up on most opponents throughout the season losing just one game and strolling to the title with five rounds to go. Murphy was initially attracted to soccer through the involvement…
SOCCER OSCAR Marsden, Ryan Thompson and Zach Reynolds are expected to arrive in Melbourne next year to join the Andy O’Dell revolution at Peninsula Strikers. Marsden and Thompson are due here on 10 January while Reynolds may not arrive until late February. The recently relegated Centenary Park club plans to bounce straight back into State 2 and O’Dell has been tasked with effecting a major overhaul of the senior squad. The three English imports are an integral part of his plans. Forwards Thompson and Marsden play with Brigg Town in England’s Northern Counties East League Division One. Ex-Mornington striker Ryan…
SOCCER MORNINGTON gaffer Adam Jamieson has taken responsibility for missing out on NPL promotion and has vowed that he won’t make the same mistake again. “We had a squad to do a lot better but you’re probably looking at complacency being an issue,” said Jamieson. His side finished runner-up to Langwarrin by a solitary point in the race for the State 1 South-East title and while Lawton Park fans were celebrating there was a lot of soul-searching done at Dallas Brooks Park. “You get ‘Patch’ (Ryan Paczkowski) back, then Scotty Millar then you get Josh Valadon and Aaron Root in…
SOCCER FRANKSTON Pines’ jack-of-all-trades CJ Hodgson has declared his allegiance to the Monterey Reserve club. “I’ll be there as long as my parents are involved so I think I’ll be playing at Pines for the rest of my career,” the 24-year-old said. He’s had more seasons at Pines than any other senior player and he’s also the club’s most versatile performer having played at right back, wide midfield, centre midfield, striker and he’s even worn the goalkeeper’s gloves. His career kicked off at under-6 level at Langwarrin and he made his reserves debut under then-coach Jamie Skelly as a 15-year-old…