2008 Match Reports

Moreland City won both their fixtures in the final round of the season to give two of their club legends - Steve Radaslovic and Robert Marcen - a fitting send off in their retirement matches.

Fresh from their 3-1 win over Thomastown midweek, Moreland started brightly with Ryan Dinse heading home the opener in the 5th minute after a good knock down from Addis Kablar off a Moreland free kick.

Moreland held onto the lead until the second half when Lester Abalos finished off a nice move from Altona East which involved a number of one-touch passes.

But in a final twist to the match, Moreland were awarded a penalty after Altona East handled the ball in the 18-yard box, trying to stop a Lucca Lucchesi run through the area. With no hesitation, Marcen stepped up to slam home the penalty and give Moreland the three points.

In the earlier match of the day, Moreland started slowly but gradually took control of the game with Tiger scoring a cracker from outside the 18-yard box and Lewis scoring his first reserves goal to give City a comfortable 2-0 lead at half time. Altona East were more competative in the second half but a Chapman goal in the 80th minute killed off the contest.  

In a day of mixed fortunes for the club, Moreland City were officially relegated to the Third Division following a 3-0 loss to eighth-placed Williamstown, while the Reserves team had a slightly better afternoon securing their second Reserves Championship in three years with a comfortable 2-0 win.

Both squads will remain the same for their respective mid-week clashes v Thomastown on Wednesday night.

A dominant Moreland City has destroyed Maribrynong Greens 6-3 in what was possibly the worst pitch of the season so far at Skinner Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

The rout started early with Ryan Dinse opening the scoring in the 5th minute, sliding the ball under the keeper from the six yard box after Robert Marcen found him with a low cross from the right-hand wing.

It was a promising start for Moreland who have rarely scored the opening goal this season but the celebrations were short lived as Arin Mesinovic equalized for the Greens in the 10th minute, turning Steve Radaslovic in the box before poking the ball past keeper Jan Kvasnicka.

But it was all Moreland for the rest of the half as they continued to show better ball use and skill, and they duly went 2-1 up thanks to a Paul Bossio double.

His first was scored in the 36th minute after some more good work from Marcen down the right flank. He’s dangerous ball through the box was delicately controlled by Bossio’s first touch and he made no mistake with his second, smashing it into the back of the net.

His second goal in the 43rd came from another Marcen cross although it was from the left-hand flank on this occasion. The finish was not as clinical as it bobbled off the left shin but the result was the same as Moreland went into the break 3-1 up.

It was a similar story in the second half as Dinse continued to give the Greens’ defence endless nightmares.

In the most bizarre move of the match, Dinse found Lucca Lucchesi unmarked in the 18 yard box only for Lucchesi to play a 1-2 back to Dinse in an off-side position even though he was right in front of goal! However he made up for it moments later heading home Moreland’s fourth after some more good work from Dinse on the right who found him unmarked on the back post.

The locals were starting to get restless at this point and Robert Marcen’s rocket into the roof of the net in the 72nd minute and Tony Stephenson’s great strike from the edge of the 18-yard box in the 80th minute didn’t make things any easier.

Both teams had numerous further opportunities to add to the score sheet as gaps continued to appear. Kvasnicka made some crucial saves to keep the five goals buffer, before Maribrynong managed to grab two consolation goals through Mesinovic and Shareef Chawk.

It was a good solid display from Moreland but it remains to be seen if the earlier 1-0 reverse fixture loss comes back to them haunt with fellow relegation candidates - Altona City – scoring a surprise 2-0 away win against Ballrat Red Devils to maintain a three point buffer.  

A very exciting game despite the nil-nil score line when Moreland hosted Ballarat on the weekend.  The visitors were desperate for a win to reignite their title chase after a couple of disappointing weeks and came out all guns blazing.  A couple of half chances went begging for the visitors and a Shaun Romein free kick that hit the post was the closest they got to scoring in a first half that saw them the better side.  The second half was a different story however and Moreland worked their way back into the game and created a few chances of their own - the closest hitting the cross bar from an Aidy Mathers free kick. 

Despite a frantic final minutes, the game ended without any goals and with both coaches perhaps thinking that it may have been 2 points dropped rather than 1 gained.

Mo says: "Not sure about this one.  Its a bit 50/50.  We could have got the 3 points, but then again we could have lost it.  No disputing the effort the guys put in.  I may have to read Duncan's report on Ballarat's website to get an independent appraisal on how the game was played and how we faired..." (laughing hysterically)

In another close encounter, Moreland City lost 1-0 to the title-chasing Werribee Bees.

It was a tough loss for Moreland who hit the cross bar three times in one succession as they went in search of the opening goal. Robert Marcen connected well from a Christian Bellamo cross only to see it cannon back. He was quickly up on his feet again to have another go, only for the same result before Lukka had a third bite at it with the same result. The half time scores remained 0-0.

With Ryan Dinse a late withdrawal and club debutant Michael T running late, it was always going to be a tough  ask but a lapse in concentration in the 55th minute cost Moreland a truly memorable win as Werribee went 1-0 up through their only shot on goal for the entire match.

Another pulsating encounter at Campbell Reserve this week when Moreland City hosted fellow strugglers Altona City.  Missing several first team players, Altona had the better of the early exchanges, but could not capitalise on some gilt edged opportunities.  The home team rode their luck and worked their way back into the game when they were awarded a penalty after some good work from Ronny Dinse.  However, this is where lady luck bailed, and veteran Rob Marcen had his spot kick saved.

Inspired by the feeling that he had let all his team mates down, Marcen (Foss) proceeded to take matters into his own hands.  Picking up the ball in midfield he slalomed past two defenders and unleased a left foot drive that nestled in the top corner of the net - legendary stuff!

1-0 at half time, the second half saw Altona chase the game, leaving gaps at the back.  Unfortunately, the home side could not capitalise on a couple of chances to ice the game and Altona equalised late in the game for a well deserved point.

Mo says: "A good performance today, perhaps two points dropped, but a good performance nonetheless."

A cracking game at Campbell Reserve between two teams desperate for points.  Moreland City had the better of first half play, but could not capitalise on their chances.  They closest City got to scoring in the first half was a shot from Adis Kablar that hit the post.

They second half was a different story with Cairnlea dominating the play and taking the lead when E Koc was left unmarked to score  a header from a Jose Groba cross. Oscar Crino's men continued to dominate second half proceedings and could have iced the game but for some poor finishing and desperate defending.  The last 20 minutes saw City work their way back in the game and a deserved equaliser came when Luca Lucchesi finished a scrambling goal from close range at the third attempt.

Mo says: "A late point is better than nothing and means we live to fight another day."

Another heartbreaking loss at Campbell Reserve as Moreland City went down 1-0 to local rivals Brunswick City.

In blustery conditions, Brunswick scored the all important goal in the 66th minute through a simple tap-in header from Con Vouloumanos as Jan Kvasnicka failed to collect a hopeful long ball. It was a controversial decision by the referee as Kvasnicka was being held in the lead up play but the appeals fell on deaf ears as Brunswick went one up.

Moreland continued to push for the equalizer right until the 90th minute with the best chance falling to Jonathan Pepe, but the second half substitute was unable to turn his body around in time to get any purchase on the ball after some good lead up play down the wings found him unmarked in the 18 yard box.

It was a difficult loss to take for Moreland who now find themselves on a two game losing streak with a big game coming up this week against the improving Cairnlea.

Mo says: "I didn't do this match report so I'm unable to comment."

Another pulsating game (in the end) at Campbell Reserve as Moreland City hosted the Warriors from North Geelong. With Moreland riding a wave of luck from the last two weeks, the expectations of the ever faithful Moreland supporters was high. It was clear early on however, that luck this week had deserted City and would seemingly play no further part in this contest when visiting skipper, and the warriors most influential player, Mijo Trupkovic, won the toss and elected to kick to the Nicholson Street end.

The first half saw two tentative teams separated only by an early North Geelong strike and the class of Trupkovic, Deak and Cervinski. North Geelong come out in the second half with all guns blazing. Whilst Deak had less impact in the second half and Cervinski was forced to pick up touches deep in midfield, it was Trupkovic that led the visitors from the front and took control of the midfield. This led to another two goals to the visitors bagged by Dragacevic, but created by Trupkovic. 3-0 seemed like game over, but in their usual fashion, City kept fighting till the end and netted two goals of their own from Bossio and Marcen. In the final wash up however, whilst the fight back provided the crowd with some excitement, it proved little consolation to the boys on the park.

Mo says: "A game effort by the lads against quality opposition. They have class all over the park and their skipper Trupkovic was the difference between the two sides in the end. We scored two really nice goals late on to regain some pride."

What a game it was at Campbell Reserve this week when Moreland City hosted the title chasing outfit of Altona East. In what was a pretty one-sided affair, Altona East outplayed their hosts for much of the game and created quite a few chances that they managed to squander. In between some wasteful finishing form the visitors, City did manage to create a couple of gilt edged opportunities of their own which they did not capitalise on. Some confusing decisions between linesman and referee just before half-time added to the drama, and Altona East's frustrations, by disallowing what appeared to be a legitimate goal, then reversing another decision based on the assistant referee. Referees, handballs, drop-balls, off the line, off the bar, off the post, and empty nets, just about sums up East Altona's day.

The visitors did, however, manage to score at around the 18 minutes into the second half when, after some wonderful build up play on the left, Alex Jovicic side footed into an empty net. After the goal, as City took risks going forward, East Altona could have scored half a dozen. Then, just like the Moreland faithful were expecting, the irony that encapsulates this beautiful game of ours rose like a Robbie Marcen header, when in the 90th minute a long throw landed at the feet of substitute Paul Bossio who gave the East Altona strikers a lesson in calm and composed finishing.

Mo says: "They are the best ball playing side I have seen this year. But credit to our boys who never really gave up and snatched a point in a game that, if it was a boxing match, the referee would have finished it early."

Mo says: "I can sympathise with Jacko and the guys at Williamstown, today we rode our luck"

The last 15 minutes of the match was end to end stuff with both sides pushing for an equaliser.  The Red Devils had a couple of good opportunities late on but could not capitalise as Moreland held on for the final minutes with 10 men to share the spoils.

Mo says: "Sound effort by Moreland Saturday away to Ballarat at a ground that will be difficult for away teams to get results. In the end a draw was perhaps a fair result".

Stephenson's Synopsis: Reserves Match Report Round 19 Moreland City 0 - 1 Pascoe Vale: 9 August Irony of ironies - Alannis Morissette could not have scripted this game more ably. The Reserves in solid form throughout the year win the league four games out and by virtue of a series of availability problems go in against their deadly rivals seriously under-resourced - play stoically for 88 minutes and concede an untidy goal with neither the time nor the personnel to make a comeback. The players on the field can hold their heads up - individually they did well enough but the build up was not there. The midfield was too often bypassed which meant Trevor Carson and Danny Ward were not given sufficient opportunities to settle on the ball. Tiger and Aaron Ward tried to hold the ball up to time their passes well and I think they both had very fine games but sadly we seemed to lack that bit of good fortune a kind bounce or error from the defence that Moreland might have benefited from. Our back four was solid and Chris Linnett did well in shielding them. Nathan had another excellent game in goal (- great season Nath!). The highpoint for me was the contribution made by Aaron Ward. He had scored three goals against the Greens the previous week but his performance in this game showed his willingness to roll his sleeves up and get on with the job when things are not going so well. Danny Ward's ongoing battle with the ref was probably unnecessary and may have detracted from his game but credit to the youngsters and Paul Bursich who came in and gave their all! Moreland now travel to Epping Stadium in a fortnight's time to take on second-placed Thomastown Devils in what should be a very competitive match. Three points will ensure Moreland secures the 2008 North West Reserves Championship.

Cavoli's Corner: Reserves Match Report Round 18 Maribynong Greens 3 - 11 Moreland City: 2 August Carson 4, Ward A 3, Cavoli 3, Luchetti Only a miracle will stop Moreland City from clinching its second reserves championship in three years after crushing Maribynong 11-3 in an extraordinary game at Skinner reserve.  This was shaping as a danger game for Moreland with Stephenson promoted, Mastrolambros & Jokic ill, and Carson struggling with back soreness.  But Morelands youth stepped up to reserve level brilliantly to provide one of many highlights the side has experienced this year. Moreland City clinched a thrilling come from behind, last minute win over Ballarat to maintain a 12 point lead over 2nd place Thomastown with only 5 matches remaining.  It is the second consecutive match where the side has fallen behind only to clinch victory in the shadows of injury time.  Moreland had to make a late change with Jokic relegating himself to the bench and enabling Aaron Ward to start his second consecutive match. With coach Martello sadly unable to take part due to broken leg experienced in last weekends Masters match, Paul Bursich took charge.  And within 5 minutes he would have been happy as 15 year old Aaron Ward opened the scoring.  His lame effort bounced unkindly over the keeper to make it 1-0.  But from here Moreland stopped and the Greens were deservedly back on level terms when one time Moreland player Chris Kostov rose above the defence to head home from a corner.  This sparked Moreland back into life and three goals in quick succession effectively killed off the match.  Luchetti turned the ball home after a cut back from a corner, and Carson & Ward were both beneficiaries from Kevin Patersons work in midfeild.  Maribynong pulled another back just before the break thanks to some dubious officiating to make it 4-2 at half time. The second half started much the same as the first when Cavoli, in his last game for Moreland, scored moments after the re-start.  Moreland then fell asleep again and Kostov kept Maribynong in the match.  But the home sides optimism was crushed as Moreland scored the next 6 goals.  Young James & Sammy from Steve Chetcuti's U15s come on as 2nd half subs.  Sam's introduction due to an injury to Luchetti meant that Nathan Gourzelas came onto the field.   I think the less said about that the better... Carson finished with 4, Aaron Ward 3, Cavoli 3 and Luchetti with 1 goal.  Cavoli finishes his final season with Moreland amassing 17 goals.   Moreland now only need 1 point from its remaining 4 games to clinch the title. Cavoli's Corner: Reserves Match Report Round 17 Moreland City 2 - 1 Ballarat Red Devils: 26 July Carson, Mastrolambros Best: Stephenson, Luchetti, Mastrolambros Marshy's quote of the week: "...because Wardy is out this week, we will change to a back three of Vale, Danny & Crane..." Moreland City clinched a thrilling come from behind, last minute win over Ballarat to maintain a 12 point lead over 2nd place Thomastown with only 5 matches remaining.  It is the second consecutive match where the side has fallen behind only to clinch victory in the shadows of injury time.  Moreland had to make a late change with Jokic relegating himself to the bench and enabling Aaron Ward to start his second consecutive match. Moreland found themselves behind after only 5 minutes when Vale slipped in his own area attempting to receive a Donnelly back pass, and allowing the Ballarat winger to cut the ball back along the 6 yard box for the striker to score into an unguarded net.  Moreland soon found rhythm and began to pressure the Ballarat defence while they had possession, causing turnovers in midfield.  While this did not result in any direct goal scoring opportunities, it was the increased team pressure that lead to the equaliser on the stroke of half time.  Gourzelas' long clearances was challenged by Cavoli, who backed up by pressuring the midfielder who picked up the loose ball.  The young Ballarat player then played a poor backpass that was swooped upon by Cavoli who clipped the ball from the right to Carson.  The veteran striker out muscled his opponent and cooly drove the ball home with only the keeper to beat. 1-1 at half time. The second half was a tight tussle, but the Moreland back three of Donnelly, Vale & Pegorin (or Vale, Danny & Crane according to coach Martello) were rarely threatened and provided excellent protection for Gourzelas.  The introduction of Jokic gave Moreland a real spark and he immediately caused problems down the left with two of his crosses creating guilt edged opportunities both involving Cavoli.  His first header was poorly directed over the bar, but his second chance which came from Carson header across goal had a profound influence on the game.  His challenge with the keeper left the young keeper (himself a half-time sub) unable to continue, and with all 3 Ballarat subs used, an outfield player had to take the gloves.  Both the keeper, and his fellow half time substitute were unable to finish the game due to serious injuries. So against 10 men and with only minutes remaining up stood Johnny Mastrolambros to win the game for Moreland.  The goal (his first for 18 months) was the culmination of a move that started when Donnelly drove the ball from the half way line to the edge of the area where Cavoli controlled and then released a barnstorming Mastrolambros who volleyed truly across the keeper from the corner of the 6 yard box sparking wild celebrations. It was just reward for Mastrolambros as he was becoming a greater threat down the right as the game wore on. Moreland are away to Maribynong this Saturday.

Robbie's Rant: Reserves Match Report Round 16 Moreland City 2 - 1 Werribee: 19 July Stephenson, Ward Best: Paterson, Ward Snr, Stephenson, Sonny Having our gun strikers - Joe and Trevor unavailable for the match v Werribee (who have scored more than half Moreland's goals this season) put a huge test on the depth on the squad. The first half was an even affair with Moreland rarely troubled at the back, but also creating very little up front, as the two teams went in nil-all at half time.  It was a cautious start from both sides in the second half with the wind making playing conditions difficult, but it was Werribee who opened the scoring in the 60th minute after capitalizing on a Moreland turnover in the middle of park. Injuries to Tiger and Pedro made Moreland’s task of getting back into the match even harder but good lead up work from Sonny, Mastro and KP in the 70th minute resulted in Tony collecting the ball on the edge of the box, turning and miss kicking a left-footed shot that found its way into the corner of the net.  From that moment on Moreland continued to press for the win, again showing the Moreland two's are never satisfied with the shared points and always fight to the end. With only injury time left to the match, stand in skipper Sonny won the ball and passed it to Tony who played a neat one-two with KP. As per team rules, Tony cut back the ball back to find Wardy Senior unmarked on the front post who hit the roof of the net from two yards out. It was a quality team goal at the death which is one of the reasons Moreland 2's are now 12 points clear on top with six matches to go. Special mention to Wardy Jnr, who started the match for the first time, and James Johnston, who came on at one-nil down to make a positive impact on the match.

Cavoli's Corner: Reserves Match Report Round 15 Moreland City 4 - 1 Altona City: 12 July Cavoli 2, Stephenson, Jokic Best: Paterson, Ward, Stephenson Moreland City thumped Altona City 4-1 in a much anticipated clash at Campbell Reserve.  Moreland's only defeat this season was at the hands of Altona City, and the boys were determined to get one back over their championship chasing rivals. Both teams started well but it was Moreland who looked most likely to score and had good chances through Chapman who lobbed the ball over the bar, and Carson who audaciously tried to catch the keeper unaware from distance.  Moreland did take the lead however when Chapman burst down the right.  The ball found its way to Jokic at the edge of the area and his stunning strike left the Altona keeper with no chance. Moreland soon doubled their advantage when some excellent forward pressure caused a turnover, and the one touch move that started with Stephenson was finished by the same man who fired home from inside 10 yards.  Altona pulled one back from a neat passing move just before the break to give the visitors a chance but Moreland were focussed not to let this one slip. After the break the game opened up and it was Moreland who again looked the more threatening, but it wasn't until the final 20 minutes when Chapman's bursting run and cut back down the left caused havoc in the Altona City 6 yard box. Cavoli finally toe poked the ball home after the goal mouth scramble to make it 3-1. Cavoli was released through the centre soon after by Paterson to cooly finish and make it 4-1 and secure all three points for the home side. All 14 players used by Moreland were outstanding, and coach Martello was pleased with his sides performance. Following Thomastown's loss to Cairnlea on the weekend, Moreland now leads the reserves ladder by 10 points with 7 games remaining.

Robbie's Rant: Reserves Match Report Round 14 Moreland City 4 - 1 Cairnlea: 5 July Chapman 2, Jokic, Frank jnr Best: An all round team performance with the whole squad playing well. Moreland FC two's are still on top by 7 points.  Great News. In saying this wonderful news, we have played below par in a previous few matches by starting slowly and given the opposition reason to be positive.  To our credit, once we get going not many teams can match our quality play and our never say die attitude. MCFC (1st) v Cairnlea (3rd) - Special note: Moreland had 3 under 15's on the bench - Wardy jnr, James Johnston and Jules Siracusa.  The first time since 1981. Finally, Moreland two's started the strongly of the two teams and always looked like the only winner.   After dominating all the play, justice was serviced with a perfect corner by Aaron M (in the two's for the first time for match fitness) to Frank jnr, whose solid header was always going in. 1 Nil to MCFC after 15 min.   Quality build up play by Simon (Tiger) and Chappy, resulted in Chappy cutting in and beating his man on the edge of the box and curling the ball in the top right hand corner, even with the best efforts from Cairnlea's keeper.   2 Nil at half time with many scoring opportunities and Moreland in total control.  In a shock, Nathan (GK) was ill - seeing double and not feeling the best.  Hence, Pedro (Thanks mate) had to keep in the second half.   James Johnston made his debut for the two's (the first of many) at right back at the start of the second half, with James getting better and better by the minute, which will do wonders for his confidence.  James even started the move that resulted in Moreland's 3 goal.  Excellent team work, left Aaron with the keeper to beat, who tried to do a wall pass off the post, which was instead finished by Chappy.   The second half continued like the first half with great team play by KP, Trev, Frank Jnr, Tiger, Aaron and Chappy.  Close to 30 minutes to go, Wardy jnr and Jules Siracusa (another debut for the two's) came on to add more spark to the match and assisted in creating more opportunities.  Tiger's fine finished with the 4th goal that was more than well deserved.   A free kick outside our defensive 18 yard box was deflected in by Sonny with Pedro in unusual territory and against the run of play.

Moreland eventually thrashed Brunswick in a spiteful match at Campbell Reserve. This scoreline is all the more remarkable considering Moreland dished up the most pathetic display of football this pundit has ever seen in the first half hour on Saturday. But despite their dominance, Brunswick failed to capitalise and did not create a clear cut chance in that first 30 minutes. The turning point was when Croatian international Pedro Fric crunched a Brunswick player on the half way line. He was subsequently moved by coach Martello into the centre of midfield where he dominated territory and sparked Moreland into life.

Moreland took the lead when Chapman, started and finished a swift move when he released Cavoli down the right. His early cross caused wasn't properly dealt with by the Brunswick defence as Mastrolambros and Carson finally squeezed the ball out to Chapman who finished clinically. Brunswick were doubly stunned when Mastrolambros won a free kick in a dangerous position. Cavoli's free kick was flicked on by diminutive defender Pegorin into the path of veteran Carson who made it 2-0.

After the break Moreland knew that a third would finish off the young Brunswick side, and Cavoli delivered with a deft lob over the keeper after another early cross from Mastrolambros. Brunswick got one back soon after when the substitute right back launched a stunning drive to leave Gourzelas clutching at space. But Moreland restored the 3 goal advantage when Carson netted his second from a corner. Chapman then expertly took his second goal of the match following some good work from Jokic, Paterson & Carson. Cavoli the added his second when released by young Aaron Ward. Cavoli's original strike hit the post, but returned straight back to him to score into an empty net.

Moreland continue to top the reserves league ladder.

A late winner from veteran striker Trevor Carson subjected the Warriors to defeat in a competitive game at Campbell Reserve. Paul Donnelly was promoted only hours before kick off, but that handed an opportunity to Johnny Mastrolambros at right back who played arguably his best game of the season. He and fellow defenders Vale, Pegorin & veteran Ward were stretched on few occasions in the first half. Moreland looked good early on but again struggled to create guilt edged chances. Cavoli had a goal disallowed after a hand ball by Rokic as he attempted to control the ball but weren't to be denied soon after when Luchetti's deflected cross fell invitingly to Carson who tapped in from 6 yards.

The second half was following a similar pattern to the first as Paterson & Oliver began to have an impact in midfield. Cavoli should have doubled the lead but inexcusably missed his volley from six yards. That miss proved to be costly as North Geelong won a corner almost immediately and the 3ft 2in midget striker introduced at half time, rose above the Moreland defence to head towards goal. Gourzelas could only defect the shot into the far post, where inexplicably no defender was standing. The same midget almost scored moments later as Moreland suffered another 10 min lapse in concentration. Both teams had half chances to win it until 5 minutes from the end when Cavoli failed to control a simple pass from Paterson in midfield only to be handed the ball back immediately. Breaking into space down the right Cavoli's inviting cross was met powerfully with the head of a diving Carson who sealed victory for the hosts.

A double from German international Simon 'Tiger' Jokic handed Moreland City a scrappy win at Campbell Reserve. In a game which failed to reach great heights, Jokic's two first half moments of brilliance was the difference. His first came from probably the best move of the match. An incisive break that released Luchetti down the right. His early cross was met on the volley by Carson who forced a good save from the experienced keeper, but Jokic was on hand to poke the ball home from close range. He added a second just before the break when he was expertly released by Paterson, playing in a more advanced role (ACM in playstation speak). Jokic lobbed the ball over the advancing keeper from the edge of the area to make it 2-0.

After the break, the game turned into a battle of the midfield with few chances to either side. On debut Mark Oliver battled hard with Paterson to gain ascendancy but Moreland struggled to find rhythm in the final third to kill off a plucky Altona East side, and with 5 minutes to go the visitors pulled on back after the striker was allowed to turn in the penalty area. His strike left Gourzelas with little chance. It turned out to be nothing more that a consolation goal as Moreland withstood a last minute onslaught to win 2-1

Moreland has used another get out of jail free card when it disposed a plucky Williamstown side 3-2 at JT Gray Reserve. Moreland had the better of the opening as Pepe, returning from injury, made numerous penetrating runs, one of which, opened the scoring. Bursting down the right channel, Pepe's perfect cross was met powerfully on the volley by Carson who gave Moreland an early lead. From then it was all Williamstown who created a number of chances but only poor finishing and solid keeping from Gourzelas kept Williamastown at bay. Moreland 1-0 up at HT.

After the break the game opened up with both team creating chances. Williamstown continued to pressure and miss opportunities in front of goal and were made to pay on the hour. Tiger's penetrating run down the left lead to a tantalising cross which drew the keeper off his line, but he failed to get near it, and Carson was on hand to direct his header into the empty net to double Moreland's lead. Williamstown's persistent pressure finally paid dividends when Pegorin handled in box and the referee pointed to the spot. Gourzelas was left with little chance as the penalty was expertly converted to make the scores 2-1. Both teams pushed each other hard, but the game was ended as a contest when Cavoli scored his 10th goal of the season with a powerful volley from the edge of the area. Gourzelas had a minor lapse in concentration in injury time which was capitalised by Williamstown but it was too little too late as Moreland continue to top the league ladder.

Moreland City's return to Campbell Reserve ended in a fascinating draw against fellow title challenges Thomastown. Moreland will feel that it was a case of two points dropped as opposed to 1 point gained.

Moreland started brightly with the returning Chapman active early, putting Cavoli through to score in the opening minutes but the goal was incorrectly disallowed for offside in what proved to be a crucial decision. Though it didn't seem to crucial by half time. Chapman did give the home side the lead when he headed powerfully from a Vale free kick. No-one tracked the diminutive striker and he made no mistake.

Scores were level soon after when Moreland failed to clear the defensive lines and Thomastown pounced to score past stand in keeper Trevor Carson. Moreland then looked to have taken the initiative when Luchetti pounced from a goal mouth scramble and then, on the stroke of half time a Thomastown free kick was countered superbly as Cavoli and Chapman broke leading to Cavoli to force a save from the keeper and Chapman to follow up to score his second of the game.

Frankie Jnr stumbles, competes, gets crunched ... and scores

But Thomastown came out firing in the second half and only some excellent work from Carson in goal maintained the margin. In the end there was nothing he could do as Thomastown struck twice, the second from the spot, to level the game. Cavoli was brought down in the area late in the game but his appeals for a penalty were waved away by the poor and inconsistent official.

First-game German import player, Tiger, and Chappy in action

It was Moreland first draw of the season, but despite the initial disappointment, Moreland have only dropped 5 points this season.

Moreland City defeated a talented Pascoe Vale side 1-0 in a season defining win. Batted, bruised and heavily fatigued the experienced MCFC side overcome Pascoe Vale when Cavoli turned and drove a volley through a crowded penalty area into the corner of the old onion bag 5 minutes from time.

It was a classic game of two halves as Pascoe Vale had Moreland rooted to their own 18 yard box in the first half and only desperate defending, good keeping and horrible finishing kept the scores deadlocked. Luck played it part, too, with Pascoe Vale striking the bar on more than one occasion. Moreland were forced into two changes by half time as both Liberona McGlue, on debut, succumb to injury after he fouled from a dangerous late tackle.

In the second half both teams had chances early, but the best chance fell to the home side who were denied spectacularly by Gourzelas when he produced a stunning double save. That was the turning point of the match as the Moreland defence settled, and the altered midfield led by Stephenson and Martello started having an influence on the match. Moreland had chances to go ahead through Carson, Pegorin and Cavoli before the latter finally broke the deadlock. Cavoli had been largely anonymous for most of the match, but kept his composure to give Moreland their seventh win of the season.

Moreland dominated an inexperienced green side with a clinical display at Hosken Reserve. Moreland looked comfortable early on with neat passing and one touch football, but it was route 1 to get the scoring on the board. Gourzelas' long clearance was chased town by Carson who's left foot cross was met by Cavoli who nipped in front of the keeper to open the scoring.

Moreland had a number of chances to double the advantage but it wasn't until Luchetti followed up a rebound after Kablar, on debut, forced a neat save from the keeper. The first half ended with a defensive mix up that nearly cost Moreland a goal.

The second half started much the same as the first with MCFC keeping the visitors interested by failing to take guilt edged chances. But a neat move down the left involving Mastrolambros and Cavoli created the third goal scored by Carson, which opened the flood gates. Luchetti completed his double with a fine strike from 25 yards, and Kablar completed a second half hatrick by walking through the greens defence on each occasion. He then set up Carson to mongrel his second goal of the game off his shoulder to complete the thumping.

It was a tough and tight game in Ballarat which was eventually won late when Danny Vale scored a penalty to secure the win. Both teams played good football and created chances to score but it was Moreland who struck first. Ballarat conceded an unnecessary corner and the set play work a treat as Donnelley climbed highest to knock the ball across to Luchetti to score the opener.

Ballarat soon levelled after some good movement down the left lead to a crossed ball with a mis-communication leading to the Ballarat player lobbing his header over a helpless Gourzelas to tie it at 1-1.

The second half was a battle but again Moreland had the better of the chances. Cavoli forced a good save early and shot wide soon after when Carson was in a better position. But veteran Marcen was the catalyst for the wining goal. His run down the left was ended illegally on the corner of the 18 yard box. Vale's subsequent free kick hit Pegorin, and rebounded onto the arm of a Ballarat defender. The referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot and Vale cooly sent the keeper the wrong way. Moreland held on for a 2-1 win.

Morelands first home game of the season was held at rival's home ground Pascoe Vale as Campbell Reserve continues to recover. Moreland were pushed early. Gourzelas was solid again and had to be as Werribee piled on the pressure early, striking the woodwork from a ferocious volley from the edge of the area. But a good team takes their chances and Moreland proved to be a good team. After holding off the charge, Ward delivered a long diagonal ball into the area which wasn't properly dealt with. Cavoli pounced with a lobbed 'biscuit tin' header that looped over the hesitant keeper to make it 1-0.

Cavoli doubled the advantage soon after when good interplay from Stephenson, Carson and finally Luchetti lead to Cavoli volleying home from close range. Just before half time Cavoli completed his hatrick. Again neat work down the right from Carson and then a cross from Stephenson was controlled by the striker who's volley lobbed the helpless keeper to make it 3-0 half time.

Moreland had chances to increase the advantage through Carson, Cavoli and Pegorin, but in the end Werribee scored a deserved consolation after Paterson was caught in possession with numbers committed forward.

Moreland turned up for 70 out of the 90 minutes as Altona ran rampant in 20 minutes of madness at the start of the second half.

The first was dominated by Moreland with Cavoli having chances and Carson striking the bar from distance. Chapman and Marcen looked dangerous as Moreland looked dangerous with some well worked moves. And at 0-0 at the break the boys were entitled to feel that a good second half who would yield the right result.

But a series of errors at the start of the second half led to three goals in 15 minutes. A shell shocked Moreland was snapped into action, launching numerous attacks but all came to no avail. To add insult to injury, Altona bagged a fourth on the break after a poor corner by Cavoli.

Moreland punished a wasteful Cairnlea side in Melbourne's west with an efficient performance. But it looked shaky early with Cairnlea having the best of the play, and should have scored after Ward conceded a penalty after a swift Cairnlea break. But Gourzelas saved what can only be described as a horrible spot kick. And this seemed to turn the game. Moments later a Gourzelas kick was flicked on by Carson to Cavoli who was fouled on the edge of the area. Cavoli's right footed free kick rebounded off the wall, but his left footed rebound found the net after the keeper made a complete gaff of what was only a half timed shot.

Soon after Stephenson, playing in a more central role, released veteran Marcen who drove the ball into the roof of the net to make it two, and from then on it was Morelands game, and the Cairnlea side lost concentration. Marcen should have had two when released by Carson from a long throw but lifted his lob over the bar.

Moreland continue to dominate in the second half creating good opportunities but failing to deliver with the final ball. The game was finally killed off when Carson's excellent cross from the right was met on the volley by Cavoli. His shot was parried straight into the path of an on rushing Stephenson who launched the ball high into the back of the net. Carson then got one of his own cheaply before another long throw cleared the pack for Cavoli score his second. In between those two a lapse by the Moreland defence allowed Cairnlea to score cheaply and deny Gourzelas a deserves clean sheet.

The ressies won their second game in a row with another commanding performance. Two second half headed goals from first Luchetti and later Cavoli sealed the win. MCFC struggled to settle early against the predictable and ugly long ball game executed by the side in blue. But despite often finding themselves behind, Brunswick never really threatened. The Moreland central defence was sent into chaos when Vale and Donnelly were both substituted due to injury. Pegorin moved into the centre along side 1st sub Ward, and 2nd sub Birch came on into an unfamiliar left back role. But Moreland soon settled and started to actually play. The best chance of a forgettable first half came after a sweeping move from the back involving Ward, Paterson and Carson who laid on Cavoli who was expertly denied by a reflex save from the Brunswick keeper.

After the break it was all Moreland. Carsons long throw early in the half was held up by Cavoli who laid it back to Carson who worked hard to follow up. His first time cross was met perfectly at the back post by Luchetti who scored his first goal of the season. Brunswick pressured Moreland briefly after the goal, but found in form Gourzelas hard to beat between the sticks. The game was over soon after when Chapman lobbed a cross to the back post for Cavoli to score. From there the score could have been anything with Chapman, Paterson, Carson Gonzalez all coming close to adding to the score.

The ressies started a new era under coach Rob Martello with a strong away win in Lara. The boys started well, and had chances from the start, and controversially went in front after Cavoli headed in a neat cross veteran Rob Marcen. Nth Geelong appealed as they thought the ball cut back from Marcen had crossed the by-line, but the referee had none of it, and Moreland were 1-0 up. The goal seemed to steel Nth Geelong who had a purple patch and scored soon after Gourzelas was left one on one with the keeper to tie the scores at 1-1 at half time.

After the break Moreland looked the only team likely to score. The best passage of play for the match was when Cavoli, Chapman and Carson unlocked the Nth Geelong defence with outstanding one touch football on the edge of the are, but Cavoli failed to connect properly and the ball was turned away for a corner. But MCFC were not to be denied as Marcen dispossessed the sweeper deep and went on to round the keeper. His touch took him wide but Chapman was hand to sweep home what proved to be the winner.

Gourzelas was required to keep out North Geelong following a late charge, but MCFC held on for 3 points.