By Chris Balogh

Ashburton United – Warragul United = 1:2 (0:1)
Goal: Ben Jackson

Ashburton United hosted Warragul United at Darebin International Sport Centre in the final round of 2008 in the Provisional 1 S/E section to decide who maintains their status in the same division for next season. As both teams were on identical points, if the game ended in a draw it would benefit Warragul due to their more sufficient goal difference.

Ashburton went out looking for the required win in the first half and were looking the more prominent team.
It was late on in the first period when the opportunities came for both teams.
Firstly Lachlan Taylor scored a fantastic header only to be disallowed for a possible push on a defender. Luke Davey also had a great chance a minute later only to be denied by the Warragul keeper. Yet in the last minute of the half Ashburton conceded a far post, close range header to be trailing at half time by a goal.

After the interval a couple of substitutions lifted the hopes of all supporting Ashburton’s cause and within that spell Ben Jackson managed to get to a long cross before the visitors’ keeper to head over him and equalize, 1-1.
Than as both teams realized what was at stake, it became a rougher and less disciplined affair resulting in both teams being reduced to 10 men.
Amongst the following yellow card shower Warragul managed to finish off a perfectly weighted cross with a top corner header to make Ashburton’s task a much mightier one. Warragul lost their coach by that stage as he was also sent off.
Jackson had another great shot late on after some good work by Tim Kirwan but the replacement goalie has managed to deny the striker by saving safely.
Final Score 1-2 to Warragul United.
Warragul relieved, Ashburton devastated.

The result meant that Ashburton United’s journey was cut short lasting only a season in division 1, hence the club will be participating in Provisional 2 S/E region in season 2009. The top goal scorer for the seniors in 2008 once again was James Clemson with 10 goals.

Ashburton United(2s) – Warragul United(2s) = 0:0

Ashburton’s Reserves have concluded their season with a scoreless draw against Warragul’s second unit and finished the league in a respectable 4th position identical to last season however earning 3 more points in the current campaign.
The top goal scorer for the reserves in 2008 was Nick Hoo with 9 goals.

QUIZ ANSWER: 6 players have appeared in all three (Seniors, Reserves, Thirds) teams in season 2008.
They are: Roger Lai, Kai Maxfield, Andrew Clemson, Brian Lim, Luke Davey & Angus Smith.

By Chris Balogh

Nunawading City – Ashburton United = 2:0 (0:0)

Ashburton United traveled away to promotion chasing Nunawading City in the penultimate round of the Provisional 1 S/E division league fixture on Saturday needing some points on the board to avoid having to play 'double or nothing' in the final round to remain in the division.

Ashburton enjoyed its most vocal support of the season, and it showed through out the match as the Ashy boys held firm for the most part and put in a mighty effort for their beloved Green and Yellow Club.

In the first half the home side – yet to gain promotion – have had more chances, however mostly off target and the few that did go on target Steve Sellwood between the Ashburton posts dealt with in magnificent style.
The biggest opportunity was also presented itself to the home team as their attackers combined to create an open shot that was crashed against the crossbar only meters out to send the teams in goalless at halftime.

The second half saw Nunawading break the deadlock late on but not after James Clemson was sent off for a second bookable offence.
The crucial goal arrived in the last 15 minutes, with an unmarked Nunawading player finished from close range as most Ashburton players, supporters expecting an offside flag that never came.
Sellwood has kept out some close and long range efforts as the pressure built towards his goal, while the visitors tried everything they could to solve something from the game however it was the home team who adjusted the score line 5 minutes from time from inside the penalty area after a defensive block that fell perfectly for the home team’s top scorer.
At the end it finished 2-0 to Nunawading and Ashburton coach Reno Lia couldn’t ask for more in the effort department as the visitors left it all on the pitch. Unfortunately though for Ashburton it means now that next week’s clash against Warragul is a must win as even a draw favors their opponents.

Nunawading City(2s) – Ashburton United(2s) = 0:1 (0:1)
Goal: Steve Poutakidis

The reserves have climbed to 4th on the league ladder surpassing their opponents on the day after a fantastic result and hence have a slight mathematical chance to finish 2nd but a more realistic one to end the season in 3rd position.
The most exciting sequence of play of the day also occurred in this game as a Nunawading striker rounded Theo Daviotis than rolled his shot alongside the goal line inviting any type of contact, than the follow up shot was crashed against the Ashy post which landed on yet another home player’s boot whose shot was brilliantly saved by Daviotis.
Steve Poutakidis scored the winner with a left foot shot that found the bottom right corner via the keeper’s hands that only took the pace out of the shot but couldn’t deny Ashburton its winner for the delight of coach Dave Clemson. It finished 0:1 to Ashburton.

QUIZ QUESTION: How many players can you name who appeared in all three (Seniors, Reserves, Thirds) teams in 2008???
Answer coming soon....

Ashburton United’s last match is at “home” to Warragul United on Saturday, September 6th 2008.
It will be held at Darebin International Sports Centre.
Venue Address: Darebin International Sports Centre, 281 Darebin Rd – Thornbury 3071. Melway Ref: 31 A7.
BIGGEST GAME OF 2008 HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE !!!

Thirds report:
Round 18 – Home to South Yarra – Lost 8 – 0, Ashburton’s Best on Field Player – Tim Shaw

Thirds 2008 Season Wrap Up by coach - Theo Daviotis

I would like to say a big thank you to all the players who gave their time and efforts in being part of the Ashburton United Thirds Squad. In total the team utilized 33 players, with the record turnout of 17 being set at the Round 6 clash against Central Park. We finished the ten team league positioned 8th, as 13 points were gained from 4 wins and 1 draw. An effort we should been proud when you consider that less than a handful of lads had previously played together.

We had two 4-2 wins, both our biggest of the season; this first came away to Monash University (Round 10) and the second came following round at home to North Caulfield. The latter being memorable for their player/coach scored a double. We amassed 29 goals, shared by thirteen different goal-scorers. The most capped player for the season was Tim Rollason with 17 appearances out of a possible 18. Heng La captained the squad 3 times, the most of any player; with a win-loss ratio of 66%. There were many more standout moments during the season, these and the awards for best and fairest will be made known at the Presentation night – so make yourselves available to reminisce.

Finally, I would also like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to lead such willing athletes each Sunday for the past 6 months. I had fun, and I hope the players did too.

Once again, thank you to all involved at the Ashburton United Soccer Club. See you at Presentation Night.

Amelia Jane Prountzos was born on Monday August 25 2008 at 4:30pm.

Ashburton United SC wish the Prountzos family all the best following the arrival of their new little bundle of joy.

Con, Liz, George, Noah and little Amelia Jane are well!

By Chris Balogh

Ashburton United - Monash University= 2:0 (0:0)
Goals: Tim Kirwan(2)

Ashburton United gained a valuable 3 points with a heroic performance to defeat Monash University in round 20 action of the Provisional League Division 1 S/E section.
Despite the victory the Ashy team remained 9th on the table but increased the gap between themselves and the relegation threatened teams to 3 points.

The game was played in great weather conditions however the pitch was still recovering from the heavy rain it conceded from the days before and made a lot of the action slippery and hard to predict.
The teams took their time to adjust to the conditions and it was Steven Sellwood in the Ashy goal to be tested first after 20 minutes with a low drive towards the middle that he saved well.
The home team also tested the visitor’s keeper via Tim Devenish’s effort not long after and Ben Jackson had a good opportunity to score too, however a last ditch tackle deflecting his shot just over the cross bar to leave the scores blank at the interval.

The second half brought with it more excitement and some goals as Ashburton became more urgent in their play. Jackson had a long range blast blocked by the keeper into the path of James Clemson who almost scored off the rebound if not for some desperate defending by Monash University.
Monash replied with two great opportunities, firstly shooting wide and secondly a clear one on one situation was wasted by shooting over the bar.
As it happens so often in football if one team misses some chances it can come back and haunt them and that’s exactly what occurred almost immediately as Tim Kirwan scored his first goal for the senior team by shooting across goal with the right boot just inside the box.
He doubled his tally 10 minutes later as Clemson played him in, clear on goal and although the keeper was expected to do better with shots at the centre of goal but on this occasion he couldn’t handle Kirwan’s effort and it was 2-0.
The last major event of the game was a penalty kick awarded for the away team, as Devenish deemed to have fouled his opponent in the penalty area.
Sellwood saved well down to his left to preserve Ashburton’s lead and spare Devenish’s blushes. Final Score 2-0 to Ashburton United.

Ashburton United(2s) - Monash University(2s)= 0:3 (0:0)

In Reserves’ action: Ashburton United’s second team have suffered a setback in their quest to finish second on the ladder by losing 3-0 to table toping Monash University Reserves.
In the first half Ashy had played tighter defensively and more accurately going forward and had some chances to take the lead via Kai Maxfield’s header and Chris Balogh’s close range double shot that was well saved by the visiting keeper so it was 0-0 at half time.

The second half saw 3 goals scored by Monash and a great attack by Ashburton that was finished well by Greg Paul however his goal bound effort was blocked by a defender to deny the home team from getting on the score sheet.
Final Score 3-0 to Monash University.

Ashburton United’s next match is away to Nunawading City on Saturday 30th of August 2008.
Venue: Mahoneys Road Reserve, Forest Hill. Melway Reference: 62C4.

Ashburton United's 2008 season presentation evening will be held at the Malvern Valley Golf Club.

Location: Malvern Valley Golf Club - Golfers Drive, Malvern East. Melway Reference: 69 D1

Date: Friday September 19 2008

Time: 7:30pm-late

Dress: Semi-formal / formal

Cost: $55.00 per head (inc. 3 course meal)

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased from Paul Crisp (President).

For more information please see Paul Crisp, John Psihogios or a committee member.

Thirds Report for Round 13 – Ashburton vs. Juventus Old Boys

The 8th placed Thirds held the undefeated Juventus Old Boys, who are currently in 3rd position, to an exciting 3-3 home draw. The draw came about via a last minute solo run and blistering “pigeon-hole” goal from Luke Davey.

Davey was positioned well outside the large box, but his shot for goals was good enough to earn his team a point. Earlier, crucial goals (from what appears to be the regular “scoring machines”) Alastair Paul (3 goals in 3 weeks) and Angus Smith (4 in 4 weeks); were vital in keeping the game alive and worth playing for. An excellent performance by all, considering there was only one player to utilise as an interchange during the 90 minutes of play.

Best on field for Ashburton: for the second week running, Luke Davey.

Round 17 Details – Boroondara Eagles FC vs. Ashburton.
Date: Sunday, 24th August 2008
Venue: Hislop Reserve, Balwyn road, Balwyn (46D4)
Kick off: 11:00am (players to be there 10:00 am)

By Chris Balogh

Monbulk – Ashburton United = 1:0 (0:0)

In Round 19 of the Provisional League 1 S/E Division, 9th placed Ashburton visited 3rd placed Monbulk. It was an important encounter for both teams as the hosts were trying to gain promotion and the visitors’ focus was on stabilizing their position in the division.

The first half brought with it, some entertaining goalmouth action as Yiotis Harper tested the Monbulk keeper early on with a lob from just inside the penalty box while the home attack had managed to reply by a close range shot that hit the Ashburton post.
Monbulk had more of the possession and edged it in the chances department as Steve Sellwood’s excellent fingertip save deflected a goal bound chip over him to land just outside the post.
Monbulk’s majority of opportunities were in the form of goalmouth action and off target shots in the reminder of the half while Paul Alexopoulos thought he had scored when he controlled and hit a perfect shot from near the penalty spot to the keeper’s right, only to be denied by a fantastic save from the home keeper.

The second half was getting more physical and while the fouls count were creeping up on both side’s account a player from each team had to be replaced due to injury.
Late on the referee has spotted a handball in the Ashburton penalty area and awarded the spot kick to Monbulk, which the designated taker calmly dispatched to the top right corner.
The last ten minutes didn’t provide much cheering material for the decent sized attendance leaving the score line at 1-0 to Monbulk.

Monbulk(2s) – Ashburton United(2s) = 0:1 (0:1)
Goal: Jake Lazzaro (Pen)

In Reserve’s action; Ashburton’s second unit got back to winning ways with a successfully converted penalty midway through the first half by Jake Lazzaro.
The team deserved their victory, with the effort and commitment put in by all players despite some heavy knocks and injuries conceded.
Led by captain John Psihogios the reserves moved up to 5th on the ladder and only 3 points behind 2nd position.

DID YOU KNOW???: Jake Lazzaro has taken 4 penalties in the current season, converting all of those attempts successfully.

Ashburton United’s next match is at home against Monash University on Saturday 23rd of August 2008. Venue: Ashburton Park – High St, Ashburton. Melway Reference: 60F9.

Round 16 Thirds Report - Central Park 4 (2) Vs. Ashburton United 2 (1)

Starting Line Up: Luke D (gk), Theo, Tim R, Luke R, Alistair, Greg, Davey, Angus, Tom (c), Rwot, Gonzalo. Bench: Richard Lee
Highlights.
• 5th minute - Ashburton concedes an early goal from poor defending.
• 20th minute - Ashburton concedes its second goal, again man-marking was non-existent.
• 35th minute – Ashburton concedes a penalty from an over-zealous “crunch” tackle by Theo Daviotis well within the box; fortunate to escape without a card. Meanwhile, Central Park forward fortunate not to obtain any leg damage. Theo interchanged for Luke Rollason.
• 36th minute – Heroics by goalkeeper Luke Davey to save the spot kick – with his feet.
• 37th minute – Immediately and against the run of play from Central Park’s spot kick, Ashburton pulls one back, via Angus Smith good positioning and clinical finishing.
• Half Time - Daviotis replaces Luke Davey in goals; Luke Davey takes to the midfield as Rwot Chan is interchanged to the bench.
• 50th minute –Ashbuton draws level via a corner from Greg Paul, and a cheeky finish by their captain Tom Jufi-Robson.
• 85th minute – Ashburton concede its third goal via a dubious linesman/referee decision not to call off-side. Initial shot is saved and parried away by Ashburton goalkeeper, Daviotis, but only for the Central Park forward to be walk the ball across the goal line.
• 89th minute – Ashburton concedes their fourth and final goal via a corner and a goalkeeping error.
• Ashburton’s best on field player – Luke Davey.

Next Sunday, 17th August, catch-up game – Round 13 – Ashburton vs Juventus Old Boys; Ashburton Park, 3pm Kick Off.