Springvale City’s Adis Lolic launches a free kick towards an expectant Doveton wall on Saturday.By Paul Pickering
DOVETON has been controversially ousted from top spot in Football Federation Victoria’s State League Division Three South-East.
The Doves conceded the only goal in their encounter with Springvale City on Saturday, but coach Sam Elmazi was adamant that City’s Mirza Pedic was offside before he slotted the winner in the last minute of the first half at Ross Reserve.
But despite questioning the linesman’s decision, Elmazi was far from disappointed with the performance of his undermanned side.
The Doves were struck down by injury during the week, with four of their regular starters – including gun striker Leon Buhic – unable to take the pitch for Saturday’s game.
“Our players did well, considering we were depleted by injuries,” Elmazi said.
“I had to put in four reserves and certain players now know that they’re not up to it.”
Despite conceding top spot to Springvale City with the loss, Elmazi is confident that the Doves can bounce back against Morwell Pegasus this weekend.
While Buhic is likely to be out for another fortnight with a troublesome groin, Reha Ulusoy, Tom Ingham and Gary Davison are likely to return on Saturday.
Doveton will also be bolstered by the arrival of high-profile recruit Stephen Weah, a Liberian international who has played much of his professional football in Indonesia.
Weah is the cousin of Liberian legend George Weah, who was FIFA’s world player of the year in 1995.
Elmazi expects him to make an immediate impact on Doveton’s lacklustre midfield.
Elsewhere in Division Three South-East, Berwick City claimed its second-consecutive victory, beating Brandon Park 2-1 at Jack Thomas Reserve.
Matthew Nitz scored City’s first from the penalty spot, before a second-half header from Stuart Mackie secured the three points.
Meanwhile, Endeavour United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Sandringham City at Reema Reserve, with Muhammed Kirmaci and Damien Ithier scoring either side of halftime.
In Division Two South-East, the Casey Comets moved into fourth spot on the table with a 2-1 win over the Eastern Lions at home.
The victory was set-up by first-half goals to Colin Stewart and Stefan Ciccarelli.
Round Five match-ups: Division Two South-East: Casey Comets at Knox City. Division Three South-East: Doveton at Morwell Pegasus, Berwick City at Boroondara Eagles, Springvale City at Endeavour United.
