Loss seals fate of Suns

Matthew Galea

August 18 2014

Shepparton News

Goulburn Valley Suns’ fate was sealed at Hoskens Reserve on Saturday.

The Suns are officially relegated.

Pascoe Vale defeated Goulburn Valley 3-0 to ensure the Suns will be playing next season in the second division of National Premier Leagues Victoria .

A clinical Vale side took its second-half chances to overcome a valiant Suns outfit that controlled the game for large periods of the first half.

Despite control of possession for large periods, the Suns struggled to fashion a clear sight on goal and were forced to take chances from long distances to pose a direct threat on Yaren Sozer’s goal.

Craig Carley went closest, fizzing a volley just wide after Phil Petrovski was forced into a brilliant save at the other end to deny a header from point-blank range.

Zachary Foxhoven and Bryan Vanega forced good saves as well.

Simon Colosimo was solid at the back and dealt well with the considerable threat of Jake Nakic, who scored against the Suns last time he played them as a part of Dandenong Thunder’s senior side.

Rossi Lagana put in a good shift at right back, while brother Frankie was busy in the middle of the park alongside Daniel Chaabani and Vanega.

However, all the first half’s good work was undone in 30 seconds when Pascoe Vale scored straight from kick-off.

An angled 40-yard pass left the Suns defence stranded and found Adrian Talarico, who controlled superbly and found the back of the net via the post.

Michael Ferrante doubled Pascoe Vale’s lead midway through the second half after The Suns were unable to effectively clear a free kick.

The ball fell into the path of the former Melbourne Victory man and Ferrante picked his spot well from just outside the box to slot home past Petrovski.

The Suns pushed hard for a reply, but could not find the opening they needed and any hopes of a result were ended by Nakic when he broke the defensive line and finished coolly to put Vale 3-0 up.

Carley went on to hit the post and second-half substitute Tom Langman could not convert another when Carley forced Sozer into a good save late in the game.

Suns coach David Davkovski said he was pleased with his side’s efforts despite the result.

‘‘Whoever watched the game today can see we know how to play,’’ Davkovski said.

‘‘We move the ball around, had a lot of possession in the first half, but we concede a silly goal at the start (of the second half) and that’s the game.’’