By Sarah Bailey
The scent of democracy sausages was in the air on Saturday as Healesville’s soccer teams played with teamwork and grit whether win, lose or draw.
Healesville Senior Men 3-0 One FC
Healesville made it four wins in their opening four games with a gutsy display.
A saved penalty and another great save by Stu P and a shot that hit the post from the away team were sandwiched between a header, in the first two minutes, from JJ and a volley from the edge of the box from David M just before the break. Ben S scored a cracker with his weaker foot on the volley from outside the box.
Daniel T was unfairly sent off after two yellow cards before JJ scored his second and Healesville’s third.
Ben M was then given his marching orders, also for a soft second yellow card.
A nine-man Healesville held firm to keep a clean sheet and three more points.
Healesville Senior Women 0-1 Knox
In a hotly contested match against league leaders Knox, Healesville had several chances, but the game was decided with a great goal by Knox.
It was another fantastic shift from the Healesville team as they settle into the big league.
Healesville Senior Men’s Reserves 2-3 One FC
The squad had their best match of the season, so it was a hard pill to swallow to lose to a penalty.
Big thanks to Jonny H for a huge game in goals, making half a dozen big saves.
Pip M continues to illustrate the exciting depth of talent that is developing through the junior ranks.
Asha S, playing his first full season in the Senior Men’s, scored an incredible goal from outside the 18-yard box to chip the keeper and curl the ball into the top corner.
Healesville U8 Reds 7-1 Lilydale
Healesville delivered a fantastic team performance with a convincing win over Lilydale.
A series of excellent passes led to Jude finding the back of the net multiple times, taking full advantage of the opportunities created by his teammates.
Healesville U10 Falcons 8-2 MUFC
The Falcons started on the front foot, with Mitch putting Healesville in the lead after a few minutes.
Another two quick goals followed from Conor and Nate before MUFC pulled one back.
That didn’t stop the Falcons, and goals from Maverick, Mitch and Colton gave them a 6-1 lead at half time.
Healesville continued their hard work in the second half.
Max scored a great free kick and Grey finished off the scoring for another good win.
Healesville U11 Ninjas 5-2 Mooroolbark Panthers
The Ninjas started strong in their first home game of the season.
Leo had little to do in goals during the first half and kept the sheet clean.
The half-time score was 2-0, and the team kept the pressure up in the second half.
Jacob played very well, keeping the defence together and working forward as needed.
Leroy added some great defensive work to the two goals he scored.
Felix had a great game in defence in the second half, which was needed because Mooroolbark increased forward pressure, scoring a lovely goal from centre and a penalty kick from a handball despite keeper Hayden’s best efforts.
Max’s two goals plus an own goal by the Mooroolbark keeper were too much in the end, though, and the Ninjas took the win.
Healesville U12 Diamonds 6-3 Knox
The newly formed Diamonds came back after a tough first-round match with a great team effort and goals by Saskia, Ava, Audrey, Elodie and Emmelia.
All goals were secured in true team style, with multiple players assisting.
The defence were brilliant, deflecting a number of goal attempts, and Maddie and Audrey held tight in goals.
Every player worked the ball hard up through the midfield into the attacking zone.
Healesville U14 Red Devils 4-0 Berwick
The first away trip of the season saw the Devils travel to Berwick.
Healesville dominated possession in the first half, which was a scrappy affair until Evie T continued her rich vein of form with another goal.
A superb solo run and goal from Ava H on the stroke of half time saw the visitors go into the main break 2-0 up.
The second half brought more of the same, with continued dominance of possession and pressure all over the ground.
Evie T bagged another, and Eloise W kicked her first goal of the season.
Skipper for the day Georgia C was clear best on ground with relentless running from box to box.
She set up almost every play for her team with a true captain’s performance.
Healesville U16s 1-0 Yarra Valley
Away against local rivals Yarra Valley, the U16s were expecting a tough match, especially as they again had no subs.
Both teams played fast, uncompromising football without giving an inch or dropping their heads.
Superb goal keeping from Healesville’s Charlie J kept the game at 0-0 deep into the second half.
A Healesville penalty was the best chance to change the score.
It beat the keeper but unfortunately hit the post and stayed out.
Some formation changes brought about more chances, and a very late corner with 10 minutes to go broke the deadlock after Hamish M knocked it in unconventionally.
Healesville successfully parked the bus after that, taking home a second win.
Other results:
Healesville U12 Panthers 1-1 KCSC Strikers
Goal scorer: Sol
Healesville U12 White Wolves 1-6 Knox Churches Force
Goal scorer: Flynn M
