On Friday Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club’s Small Sided Soccer program got underway with a record 120 kids registered for week one of the very popular program for kids aged 4/5 through to 9.
While the evening might have been damp the spirits were anything but with kids and families all excited to be kicking off their season once again. There were plenty of laughs and smiles all capped off with sausages and hot drinks from the kiosk. The club sends a big thanks to everyone who makes this program the success that it has become over many years.
On Saturday Goldfields had another packed Saturday of games at Chewton with the excitement high for two inter-club matches for the U12B Mixed White and Black teams and later the U14 Matildas Gold and Green. Both games ended up with well deserved draws and plenty of skill and determination on display for the supporters looking on. The girls games were a real testament to growth of the female game with 29 girls on field across the two squads showing off their talents.
Elsewhere across the weekend there were strong wins for the U14B Mixed squad and the U16A Mixed who so far are taking the U16 Mixed comp by storm.
Seniors and Youth
At home the Senior Women had a big win in the Cup on a cold morning that turned into a beautiful sunny day for Swan Hill’s trip to Castlemaine. It was a strong attacking display from Castlemaine against a well-structured defence and excellent goal keeping from Swan Hill. Overall a great team effort from both sides.
Castlemaine scored 7 goals to nil with seven players on the scoresheet. The first half saw a penalty each for Bridget and Sonia (both cool under pressure), and one goal from open play for player/coach Kasey. The second half saw Ana, Jordan, Eva and Caz score. Many more shots did not quite get there.
The game also saw a debut for Ziggy, who put on a great display in the first half in attack, a special thanks also to Noora in goals who did all the right things.
Younger squad members Eva and Bridget stepped up admirably to the responsibility of leading the backline. Cup games with Epsom and Kyneton are next up, with Castlemaine looking strong in the cup pool. This Sunday the Women take on Epsom in the League in the early 11am kick-off ahead of the Youth and Men’s Reserves later in the day.
This week the Youth squad suffered disappointing a loss on the road to Epsom. Despite CGFC having chances across the game, Epsom were clinical and took the points. The ‘Prospects’ will be hoping to get back to winning ways this weekend for their first home game of the season vs Tatura in a 1pm kick-off at Soldiers Memorial Park.
For the Men it was mixed fortunes. At home and under the spotlight from Football Chaos who filmed the game for YouTube the Div 5 boys took on Hoppers Crossing, coming away with a deserved 1-0 win. On a cold and changeable day the Maine started strong, with several great chances, and took the lead with a well taken Ollie Gunter goal.
Maine continued to dominate, but Hoppers hung in there and made the game a good contest. Towards the end they could have pinched a late equaliser, but Maine hung on keep their unbeaten run going.
Away the Div 7 boys couldn’t manage to make it three wins from three for our seniors on the weekend. Travelling to Spotswood to take on Melbourne City they too were looking to extend their unbeaten start to the season.
Fresh of a bye in round two and scoring seven goals in their opener, Melbourne City were spoiling for the challenge. Castlemaine were without a couple of key players and found the going tough early.
Melbourne City were organised and went forward with purpose. Maine’s defence remained strong but eventually were broken down. Striker Barnabas Tomu was ever present and was able to get on the end of several chances. However, unfortunately it wasn’t to be Castlemaine’s day, going down 4-1. Barnabas scoring a goal. Special mentions also to Pattson in defence and Camilo working hard throughout in the middle of the park.
For week four the Reserves are back home at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park where they will host Doreen United at 3pm Sunday. Meanwhile the first team will travel down to Altona North.