Saturday, August 7, 2010

Beachside to edge closer to the Division One title


Like an incoming tide, Beachside should edge ever closer to the Division One title when they overcome third-last Southern FC away at Sherburd Park this afternoon.


They currently lead second-placed Metro by 10 points with five rounds remaining and a victory today would see them possibly needing only one more win to collect the prize.


Beachside’s Jamon Pennicott is doubtful because of a knee injury, while 500-game man Colin Shepherd has a hip injury and will be rested.


Dan Henderson and Adam Direen are the replacements.


“Southern are a committed team and we will need to continue the good form to get maximum points,” said a diplomatic and very generous Beachside coach, Nathan Robinson.


Metro, who have re-appointed coach Matthew Rhodes for next season, will include Joel Richardson and Mykel Porter in their team for the home match against bottom-side FFT/Under-15s at North Chigwell this afternoon.


Third-ranked University visit Pontville on Sunday afternoon to take on fifth-placed Hobart United, but it may as well be a sightseeing trip to the outskirts of the capital as the result is purely academic as far as the league table is concerned.


Fourth-placed Nelson Eastern Suburbs are away to second-last DOSA at the Showgrounds 2 pitch this afternoon.


Nelson should retain the side that played Southern FC last weekend.


Bill Hanley returned from New Zealand last weekend and sat on the bench for the reserves, but he now has a virus and is unable to play for the senior squad.


At best, he may earn a place on the seniors’ bench.


Midfielder Pat Lenck missed training because of illness but should be able to take his place in the side.


Under-19 players Max Caulfield and Ollie Ireland will be on the bench.


Utility player Nick Roberts is out because of a niggling injury, while 17-year-old striker Ryan ‘Coolsey’ Mills will be hoping to add to his four goals last week, which have taken his season’s tally to 13 in the league.

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