Unfortunately home games at Chewton Soldiers Memorial Park were postponed on Saturday July 8 due to standing water making the ground unplayable for the six Castlemaine Goldfields FC junior fixtures scheduled. Both Bendigo Amateur Soccer League (BASL) and the club will be working together to ensure those games can go ahead at a future time, with both catch-up rounds and midweek games to be considered. The club is hoping that the recent continued wet weather will be starting ease in the coming weeks and the second half of the season goes ahead without further postponements.
Around the grounds across Bendigo though things were a little muddy games went ahead including a great double victory in the U16 mid-season Knock Out Cup for U16 Gold.
Seniors and Youth
Thankfully the rain eased before Sunday and three games managed to take place with our Women, Div 7 and Div 5 Men all taking out wins as well as our our Youth Team who were away to Golden City. Goals to Tame, Silas and an Golden City own goal saw a solid win for the ‘Prospects’ on the road.
In the early kick-off a short numbered Women’s squad took on an even more depleted bottom of the table Golden City. With only eight players from City taking to the field the Maine played with nine and a bench of two still putting in a massively dominant performance to come away 12-0 winners. Six different scores on the day saw hat tricks for V and Eva backed up with goals from Jess, Sarah, Ana and Bridget.
Next up Castlemaine Div 5 Men’s teams looked to put two disappointing results behind them hosting fellow league winning hopefuls West Point.
To say it started badly would be the understatement of the season, as an early mistake from kick off saw West Point take the lead. Maine looked to respond, spreading the ball around, trying to tire their older, more experienced opponents. Chances were created, but no goals. Late in the half, Maine won a penalty for deliberate hand ball with the ball destined for the back of the net. Although the penalty and follow up were well saved, Maine further increased pressure on a stretched West Point, who held on till half time.
The second half was a similar story, with Maine pressing and harrassing in defence, while creating and probing in attack trying to make the most of their extra player. Finally the breakthrough came in the 78th minute, when Kyan scored in the top corner from the right side of the box. With the dogged defensive line finally breached, it was only a few minutes later when Dennick put Maine ahead 2-1.
West Point were not going to lie down though, and gave one final press for a hard won corner, with even the keeper up. Fortunately, the ball fell to Lemuel, who ran 60 metres and slotted home into an empty net, setting off celebrations from the Maine players.
An exceptional performance from all envolved, with James and Dave Gunter returning from long term injuries, Jerome and Brody providing excellent control in midfield, and Dennick and Lemuel showing some much needed composure in front of goal.
In the final game of the day the Div 7s got back to winning ways enjoying a hard fought victory at Chewton on Sunday beating 4th placed Reservoir 1-0.
The team played some great football and had the majority of possession and shots on goal throughout the match. Despite creating many chances they just couldn’t put the ball away, going in 0-0 at half time. Coach Terry Attwood reminded them to stick to the game plan, be patient and a goal would come. However the second half continued much like the 1st half, until the 70th minute when the Mainers finally scored a tap-in from a corner. A huge team effort and a great game to watch seeing a well earned 3 points.