Paul Picart goes down but earns no sympathy from the referee early in the Border Raiders’ 3-2 defeat to Swan Hill. Photos: Matthew Kappos.
Neither the men’s nor women’s Border Raiders FC sides could find victory in round eight of the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League, the sides taking part in two very different games at Jack Eddy Oval in Moama.
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The men continued their League 2 campaign against Swan Hill but were narrowly defeated 3-2.
Blake Corso (right) congratulates Eoin Kelly after he tied the game with a penalty.
The Border Raiders had the better field position through the first 20 minutes of the game, so it was surprising to see Swan Hill strike first.
A dangerous-looking cross found its way to Cooper Fox lurking behind the contest and he made no mistake from close range.
Cooper Fox holds his ground against Jean-Claude Herman.
The Border Raiders levelled the scores just three minutes later as a fumbled free kick save created chaos in the box and saw the host awarded a penalty.
Eoin Kelly calmly put it away from the spot to return the Border Raiders to parity.
The home side took the lead in the 32nd minute as Jean-Claude Herman struck truly, but goals to Liam Baldwin and Conner Brown saw Swan Hill take a 3-2 lead into the half-time break.
Ethan Drummond gets way up there.
The second 45 minutes was a contrast to the first as neither side was able to make an impact on the scoreboard.
Three Swan Hill players found their way into the referee’s book as their side desperately held on to break Border Raiders hearts and secure the three points.
Dinniget Luaine sees an opportunity.
The Border Raiders would have moved into third on the league table had they picked up the win, but remain in fifth, a game back from fourth-ranked Golden City.
Echuca-Moama will return to Jack Eddy Oval this coming Saturday when it battles Strathfieldsaye Colts United FC from 2pm.
Suresh Gomez prevents the Marcus Orlando through ball.
Women’s
Ryshelle Taylor attempts to impede Isabella Pellegrino’s run.
Tatura looks to have the measure of the Border Raiders in the women’s League 1, handing the side a second heavy defeat of the year.
The first half wasn’t as one-sided as the final scoreline would indicate, as only Grainne Egan’s ninth-minute opener separated the two teams at the break.
Peaches Starritt plays it over Alexandra Minicozzi's boot.
However, the Ibis came out with renewed focus for the second 45 and were on the board within the first minute through Kiara Ruijters.
Tat was regularly employing lofted shots, which escaped the reach of the Border Raiders goal keeper, and the visitor added a further five goals to its half-time total for a 6-0 result.
Olivia Jolicoeur bursts forward.
Egan finished with four to go to the top of the golden boot race.
Aside from when they take on the Ibis, the Border Raiders haven’t been far away throughout their debut League 1 campaign, but have managed to come away with just one win through their eight games so far.
Abbie Newman calls for her keeper to take possession.
The side will return to home turf this Sunday to battle the one side below them on the ladder, FC Eaglehawk.
The Hawks escaped the last meeting 3-2 at Epsom Huntly Reserve on May 3.
Mia Calder gets a foot in against Louise O’Callaghan.
