GSSA 2024: Phoenix upset ladder leaders in men’s division two, Caledonians march to big division one victory

A three-goal second half secured Phoenix a monstrous win over men’s division two ladder leaders Rovers Black on Saturday as the Great Southern Soccer Association returned from the school holiday break. After trailing 1-0 at the half, Phoenix better three late goals through Kieran Dekker, Zachary Mostert and Mitchell Postmus to clinch a 3-2 win, cutting Black’s lead to two points on the ladder. In the other matches, Polonia emerged 3-1 winners over Bayswater and Caledonians eased past Rovers Gold 7-2. Caledonians continued their blistering season in the men’s division one on Saturday night with a 10-0 demolition of Stirling Rangers to move a game clear of Rovers at the top of the ladder. Joseph Love led from the front with a stunning hat-trick while Hudson Staer netted a brace as seven individuals got their names on the scoresheet in the thumping win. Nothing could separate Rovers and Phoenix after a thrilling four-goal second half with both sides locked at two-all at the final whistle. After a nil-all deadlock in the first 45 minutes, Phoenix’s Cameron Dekker and Malcom Van Burgel’s goals at one end were matched at the other by Rovers’ Justin Bielecki who scored a crucial brace in the 2-2 result. Bayswater defeated Polonia 4-0 with single goals from Brad Copeland, James Opuni, Zachary Cash and Santino Pietropaolo. Polonia’s extended search for their first points in the women’s division one came to an end on Friday night with a major upset win over Phoenix. Having been defeated in their previous 11 games of this season and conceding on average more than seven goals a game, Polonia walked away 2-1 victors to snap their lengthy losing streak. They led 1-0 at the half before netting the winner in the second with vital goals from Laura Hunt and Cheyane Hardy ensuring they secured the drought-breaking win. Denmark smashed Rovers 5-0 behind an Abbey Carter brace and singles to Elise Beaubien, Lumeah Masih and Uzsani Lacey while Caledonians held off a challenge from Mt Barker to claim a 4-2 win. In the women’s division two competition Denmark Rezzies smashed Rovers 6-0 on Friday evening, Phoenix beat Caledonians 2-1 and Mt Barker won on forfeit against Sharks.