Doves return to the winners list and edge closer to the top

Pakenham United''s Lourdes Mousaco launches the ball in State League 4 South action on Sunday. 195327 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Romy Stephens

STATE LEAGUE SOCCER

REVIEW – ROUND 14

STATE LEAGUE 1 – SOUTH EAST

Doveton found itself back in winning form after toppling Eltham 1-0 at Waratah Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

After a great start to the season, the Doves had lost their past four games. But a win over the Redbacks sees them back on the winners list and edge that little bit closer to first-placed Nunawading and second-placed Richmond. Damien Miskulin was the sole scorer for the Doves.

The Casey Comets had a tough day at the office on Saturday, going down 6-0 to Mornington on home turf. The Seagulls set up the win with three goals in the first-half and were bolstered by standout performer Joshua Hine (4 goals).

STATE LEAGUE 2 – SOUTH EAST

Berwick City went down in a hard-fought loss against Knox City on Saturday afternoon at Sweeny Reserve.

Berwick have been struggling to find form lately, and a first-half goal for the Eagles was all they needed to come home with the win. Berwick now sit in fifth spot on the ladder with a record of 5-3.

In other games, Mooroolbark upset South Springvale 1-0, Boorondara got over the line 2-1 against Doncaster, Brandon park had a convincing win over Old Scotch and the Peninsula Strikers defeated Monbulk 2-0.

STATE LEAGUE 5 – SOUTH

Somerville flexed its muscles in the top-of-the-table clash against Old Mentonians at Mentone Grammar on Saturday.

The Eagles set the tone early, slotting two goals in the first-half and despite a desperate effort from the home side, Somerville held on to take the win 2-1.

White Star Dandenong boosted its percentage with a dominant 5-1 win over Pakenham United. It took a whole-team effort, with four goal scorers contributing to the win.

Across the rest of the competition, Endeavour Hills proved too strong for bottom-of-the-ladder Bunyip District with a dominant 4-1 win. On the other hand, Tullamarine and Aspendale had a hard-fought shoot-out with neither team prevailing in the 3-3 draw.

Meanwhile, Knox United got over the line against Hampton Park and Casey was unable to separate itself from Rosebud, both teams finishing with two goals a piece.