SCORPION SUCCESS IN ROUND 6
Round 6 of the 2005 Bendigo Amateur Soccer League on Sunday saw mostly positive results for the various Epsom teams playing on the day. Action began in the early morning sunshine at Howard St with the youth boys facing off against Strathdale. Epsom repelled the early Strathdale pressure and got on the scoreboard first when Joel Curtain fed a through ball to Scott Linford who fired home on his trusty left foot. A stunned Strathdale hit back but were denied again with desperate defending from Epsom's backs and some good saves from Michael O'Sullivan in goal. After the break Epsom came out in search of a second and soon enough a long throw from Brad Harvey caused trouble in the Strathdale penalty area and a push by a Strahtdale defender saw referee Daniel Berry point to the penalty spot. Curtain's spot kick gave Strath keeper Jack Gwynn little chance and doubled the Scorpion's lead. Strathdale fought back hard and were rewarded when Alex King fired home in a crowed penalty area after a free-kick that wasn't fully cleared by Epsom's defence. Just when it looked like a breakthrough win was on the cards for Epsom, Rhys Clayton turned up at the back post on the end of a miss hit shot to slot home in the dying minutes and ensure the points would be shared.

Meanwhile at Strahfieldsaye in the women's division Colts were hosting an inform Epsom side keen for another win. It wasn't long before Epsom were away with new comer Rebekah Dorrough bagging a first half double. In the second half neither side was able to find the back of the net and the match ended 2-0 in favour of the visitors which sees Epsom continue their steady climb up the women's division table.

The reserves clash saw 1st placed Epsom taking on 4th placed Colts in fine and warm conditions at Strathfieldsaye. Epsom were on top from the start but found it difficult to convert chances into goals. Midway through the second half a long throw by Troy Hargadon resulted in a goal mouth scramble that ended with first half substitute Ashley Griffin slotting the ball home. The goal by Griffin, a former Colts player proved decisive as the match ended 1-0 and Epsom continued its 100% record in division 2.

In the division one clash Epsom came out with a lot to play for after only 1 point in the last two matches, but had to chase the game after Colts United marksmen Jamie Brown was on target early. The scorpions restored parity when a long free kick into the box saw Leigh Merchant adjudged to be pushed and referee Brenton Hayward awarded a penalty, Colts were unhappy with the decision because Leroy had attempted a hand of god goal but the push had occurred before the handball took place. Reliable Aaron Baker was once again successful with his penalty squeezing it between keeper Phil Berry and the post. Epsom doubled their score in the second half when Trent Gladstone got though on goal and slipped the ball past an advancing keeper. Then Leigh Merchant scored the goal of the game, a cracking right footed shot from outside the box which flew into the top left corner. Colts were reduced to ten men with the dismissal of Asyraf Mohd Hanifiah for a second bookable offence, but they didn't give up and were awarded a late penalty as Hassan Abdulahi went down in the box. Phil Berry's penalty kick was successful in pulling the score back to 3-2, and that’s the way it ended with Epsom taking home the all important three points.
(25-4-05)

Results Photos