By RUSSELL BENNETT
CURRENTLY sitting ninth on the State League 2 South-East soccer ladder, Doveton will need a significant turnaround in form if the side is to reverse its worrying slide.
The Doves haven’t won since their first round clash against South Springvale on 6 April and suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Clifton Hill at Quarries Park on Saturday.
Doveton started sluggishly in a first half dominated by the home side, which deservedly took the lead at the 31-minute mark of the first half.
To their credit, the Doves improved markedly after the break but shots from Zac Hawker and Jamil Binzimah just refused to find the back of the net.
Doveton’s chance to get back in the winner’s circle comes at 3pm this Saturday at Waratah Reserve against the 10th-placed Noble Park United.
In other State League 2 action, Dandenong City escaped with a 1-0 over Kingston City at the Frank Holohan Soccer Complex in Endeavour Hills on Saturday.
Dandenong City – currently sitting second in the standings, behind only the undefeated Langwarrin – will look to extend its winning momentum this Saturday against Mornington at Dallas Brooks Park.
In State League 3, the Casey Comets remain undefeated after the first five rounds following a thrilling 3-2 triumph at home over Beaumaris.
The Comets were up 1-0 at the main break before both sides found the back of the net twice in the second stanza. Frank Gibson and Paul Presti were the stars for the Casey side with two goals and a goal respectively.
The Comets have a great chance to extend their unbeaten run when they travel to Forest Hill this Saturday for a clash against the sixth-placed Nunawading City at Mahoneys Reserve.
In the final clash of round 5, Berwick City and Old Scotch fought out a dour nil-all draw at Jack Thomas Reserve in Narre Warren North.
Berwick will look to climb from eighth on the State League 3 South-East ladder when the side hosts Springvale City this Friday night from 8.15pm – again at Jack Thomas Reserve.
