Heatherton Utd-BH Centar

In Round 9 of the Victorian State League 2 SE, Heatherton, in 6th place with 12 points, hosted a local rival Doveton, in fourth position with 14 points and best defensive record so far.

After three games without win (1 loss and two draws) Heatherton was desperate for 3 points to keep up pace with the league leaders. The squad was bolstered with the arrival of Edin Becirevic and Kemal Curan, two former players, who have added a much needed strength in defence.

Heatherton players started confidently and took a 1-0 lead in 14 minute. A long diagonal cross from a half-way line by Meldin Klehic found Yusuf Kusdian on the right wing, who quickly passed on the ball to Dion Pavlich in the box. Dion did not hesitate and his low shot beat Doveton’s keeper Djiba Famara.

A few moments later Aziz Bayeh was in a promising position, but his touch was a bit heavy and the ball went out. The lead was doubled after 30 minutes of play. In an attempt to clear Arnel Zahirovic’s cross a Doveton defender deflected the ball into own net. Doveton coach responded immediately and made a substitution.

However, it did not help his team as Doveton went to break with 3 goals down. Resul Heco beat the offside trap in 40 minute and easily tapped in from close range.

After the interval Doveton threw everything in attack, but could not get on the scoreboard. Heatherton keeper Senad Ahmetovic stood his ground on two occasions and prevented Joseph Ferencz from scoring.

Heatherton defended in numbers, absorbed all the pressure from the visitors and then increased the lead to 4-0 on the hour mark. After a corner kick, Arnel Zahirovic was quickest to react and his header beat oncoming Doveton keeper, who mistimed his punch.

Setmir Zijai rubbed salt into the wound in 72 minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area to make it 5-0.

Quite understandably, after the game Heatherton coach Goran Runje was happy. He summed up the game in one sentence: “This is what we have been waiting for the whole season.”

Heatherton United line up: S. Ahmetovic, S. Zijai, S. Ancevski, E. Becirevic, J.Malender, Y. Kusdian (M. Mariolle), M. Klehic (A. Kerla), A. Zahirovic (K. Curan), D. Pavlich, R. Heco, A. Bayeh.

Sub not used: Steven Ancevski

View images from the game in Photo-gallery.

With goals from Meho Cordalija and Armin Jelecevic Heatherton reserves were also victorious, coming away with a 2-1 win.

Next game: 30 May 2015, away versus Old Melbournians, who drew their last four games against Mooroolbark, N. Caulfield, Dingley and Old Scotch.

Address: Robert Menzies Reserve, Corner Toorak Road & Elizabeth Street, Malvern.