By JARROD POTTER
UPSETTING the top of the ladder FC Bulleen Lions will go down as one of Casey Comets’ greatest victories in the Women’s Premier League.
The Lions were flying, but soared straight into the Comets’ defence – with defender Laura Croft sent in to keep the goals – which ably held the Lions’ goal-scoring maestros Lia Privitelli and Olivia Edwards scoreless.
At the other end, the return of Comets’ star striker Brittany Dudley-Smith proved decisive as she broke the deadlock at the 80th minute with a solo drive past the keeper to take the go-ahead goal.
Casey held on desperately through the final 10 minutes to take its win.
The Comets head to Knox Regional Football Centre on Sunday to square off against fomer Comets’ striker Alex Gummer and her Booroondara Eagles.
NPL1
DANDENONG City put valuable space between itself and the bottom of the NPL1 ladder with a 2-0 win over local rivals Springvale White Eagles.
With stars Stephen Topalovic and former A-League footballer Simon Storey returning to the line-up, City had too much firepower for the White Eagles to stop.
Dario Matkovic continued his stellar season with Dandenong City as he firstly placed a perfect free-kick on Storey’s head to slot the first goal before Matkovic finished the scoring himself in the second instance as he slotted the match-winner into the bottom of the net.
The win leaves Dandenong City in 10th place before its clash with FC Bulleen Lions on Saturday at home.
STATE LEAGUES – MENS and WOMENS
Berwick City women’s failed to fire against Ballarat, conceding a solitary goal from a masterful shot against the Red Devils.
Berwick City coach Tony Rafferty said his charges played strong possession-oriented soccer, but were defeated by a masterstroke of a shot from the Red Devils’ Lujeyn Al-Huneidi.
“We played Good possession soccer and I said that to the girls especially after half time,” Rafferty said. “We worked the triangles and were only broken through with a fantastic shot from 22 metres out that few goalkeepers would have saved it – our keeper Caitlyn Anthon is not our regular keeper, but she had no chance whatsoever.”
One change from Jessica Brooks went begging and with the missed shot so went Berwick City’s chances of victory.
Berwick City women’s is in risk of relegation now and face Doncaster Rovers on Friday night to move away from equal last place.
Casey Comets men levelled the ledger with Diamond Valley United as Bryce Ziada slotted the equaliser.
Berwick City mens drew 2-2 with Seaford United – after Shane Savanah and Ifelowoa Ogidan scored – and has a catch-up round on Saturday against Nunawading City.
