By RUSSELL BENNETT
THE Casey Comets and Keysborough were the lone bright lights in local men’s State League soccer action on the weekend, as the only two sides to record victories.
The Comets knocked off the Peninsula Strikers 1-0 at home in State League 3 on Saturday. Paul Presti was the lone goal-scorer, finding the back of the net in the first half to give his side the win.
The Comets now sit second on the State League 3 South East ladder, five points adrift of competition leaders the Doncaster Rovers.
By stark contrast, Keysborough’s State League 4 South win was a high-scoring one – a 3-2 triumph over Elwood City at Coomoora Reserve. But the result still sees the side languishing in eighth on the table, well behind leaders Seaford United.
Hampton Park United is still propping up the ladder after a disappointing 3-0 home loss at the hands of second-placed Sandringham.
In other local action, Doveton is still in the State League 2 South East relegation danger zone after a 4-1 loss at home to fellow strugglers, South Springvale.
The loss prompted the resignation of Doves coach Tony Saunders, who leaves the club after securing two league titles in the past three seasons. But his plight was hurt by going winless in his last four matches, which sees the Doves just two points above bottom-placed Diamond Valley.
New signing Jack Dover scored the only goal for the Doves, which were beaten by two goals apiece from Souths’ Darragh Ryan and Zois Galanopolous.
The fixture does not get any easier for the relegation-threatened Doveton, which must now travel to first division aspirants Langwarrin this Saturday.
The Comets’ State League 3 local rivals Berwick City, meanwhile, sit sixth on the ladder after a 3-1 loss to Warragul United.
