Gisborne and Kyneton Soccer reports

Gisborne Women's Soccer

Jessica Larsen

Round three was played entirely at home this week for the two Gisborne senior women's soccer teams. It was the first time this season that both teams hosted matches on the same day and that brought about a healthy atmosphere and support system. The State Four team began the day playing against a strong Western Suburbs Women. The opposition sported quite a few young players who provided a lot of run and fast ball movement throughout the game, making it a challenge to keep the ball out of Gisborne's defensive half. Despite a few good saves from the keeper, four goals were conceded in the first half. Gisborne improved during the second half, however the game ended as a 5-0 loss, pushing the side to seventh place on the ladder. 
The State Three team added a little light to the day as it played against the Darebin Falcons. The Falcons are an experienced side, particularly skilful with their passing. This didn't stop the Gisborne women as they kicked the first two goals through Gill McDermott and Makala Poole. The two-nil scored remained at the break. The second half was met with plenty of scoring opportunities for both teams, and despite Darebin hitting the net once, Gisborne went on to storm to victory. The game ended in a 8-1 win going the home side's way. Gill McDermott finished with four goals, Kat Katatsoris with two and Chloe Smith and Makala Poole both scored one goal. The State Three team now sits at third place on the ladder with six points.

Kyneton Soccer

Kyneton District Soccer Club took to the pitch last weekend. The Rangers were in sublime form in the Under 13A and Under 16A matches. The Under 16B went down by one goal in a thrilling game.
Under 13A
Golden City v Kyneton
Kyneton opened its season with a solid 4-1 win against a good Golden City team. Rangers started the game brightly and were rewarded within 15 minutes by two well-taken goals from midfielder Tom Clough. With both teams playing some excellent football, Kyneton continued to create good chances, but at half-time the score remained 2-0. Golden City pressed hard for the opening 20 minutes of the second half and despite solid Kyneton defending their pressure was eventually rewarded with a goal from a corner. Kyneton continued to push for further goals and Tyler Simpson finished off a nice move with a well-taken goal from outside the box. This was quickly followed by a sharp finish from Sam De Groot to finish the scoring. Overall, it was an excellent all-round performance from Rangers who in the end were deserved winners.
Under 16A
Castlemaine v Kyneton 
Kyneton travelled to Castlemaine on Saturday to play the first game of the championship season. 
Castlemaine started well and opened the scoring after 10 minutes, shortly following with another goal to have the Rangers down two-nil after 15 minutes. Kyneton answered immediately through Shaun Dukic. There were goals to Ben Plant, Lachlan McKenzie and Koshin Mohamed with Castlemaine adding another to its total to see the scoreline 4-3 in favour of Kyneton at half-time.
The Kyneton boys came out firing in the second half with goals to Luke Knight, James Kennedy and Mitch Lee all within the first 10 minutes of the restart. Midway through the half, Saige Gostelow netted one with Koshin adding two more within minutes to complete his hat-trick. With five minutes remaining in the match, Luke added another two to give him a hat-trick as the Rangers ended the game 12-3 victors.
Under 16B
Spring Gully Blue v Kyneton
The Under 16Bs travelled to Spring Gully to play Spring Gully Blue at 12pm. It was an exciting game in the first half with Rangers having numerous chances to score but not being able to find the back of the net. It was nil-all at half-time. 
In the second half, Rangers dominated the game but were inaccurate with kicking at goal. Spring Gully took advantage of some poor defending in the last minute of the game and scored. This was shattering for Kyneton as it was the better side all day. The game ended up 1-0 to Spring Gully. The best players for Kyneton were Rhys Sartori, John O'Sullivan and Mitchell Smith. This week Rangers play Golden City and if they can improve their accuracy in front of goal and play with the same effort as they did last week, there will be a big win around the corner. Go Rangers!
This week
Under 12A versus Castlemaine-home-9.30am
Under 12B versus Colts Unites-home-11am
Under 13A versus Colts United-home-12.30pm
Under 16A versus Golden City-home-11.10am
Under 16B versus Golden City-home-9.30am.