United falls from lofty heights

By Paul Pickering
ENDEAVOUR United’s fall from grace in the Football Federation Victoria State League Three South East competition became complete on Saturday, the team suffering a 3-2 loss at home to Sandringham City to fall five points short of promotion.
United, which led the league halfway through the season, was a shadow of its former self in the final round, with three defensive errors costing it as many goals.
Hardeep Garcha was United’s only shining light, scoring a pair of impressive headers.
Reflecting on a season of missed opportunity, coach Carlos Retre said a number of mid-season signings aimed at bolstering United’s depth had not paid off.
“The players will be thinking about this year for a long time,” he said.
“When you lead the league halfway through the season and basically choke, you know the attitude’s got to change.”
Meanwhile, Doveton embarrassed Springvale City 9-0 at Waratah Reserve, condemning the Vales to eighth spot on the ladder – and an off-season of soul searching.
Striker Leon Buhic ran rampant for the Doves, netting five goals to take his season tally to 24 – second only to Frankston’s Simon O’Donnell.
Three of Buhic’s goals were scored from supremely taken free kicks, complemented nicely by a double from Brian Murphy and singles to Reha Ulusoy and Gary Davidson.
The Doves’ late-season rally, however, was only enough to elevate them to third place on the ladder – four points shy of promotion.
At Jack Thomas Reserve on Saturday, Berwick ground out a 0-0 draw with Southern Suburbs to finish in ninth place.