GSSA 2024: Rovers widen gap on rivals in men’s division one, Caledonians smash Polonia in women’s division one

Polonia rekindled their best form with a 3-0 win over Bayswater in round seven of the Great Southern Soccer Association men’s division two competition on Saturday. After last week’s loss to the ladder-leading Rovers Black, third-placed Polonia took a one-goal advantage to half-time before strolling to their impressive victory, behind a superb brace from substitute Escher Nash. Rovers Black leapfrogged Phoenix into top spot after a strong 2-0 win. Meanwhile Rovers Gold secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Caledonians. In men’s division one, Rovers widened their gap on rivals Phoenix in the league standings after defeating them a 4-1 on Saturday night. Both sides were sitting square on 12 points heading into the fixture, but Rovers finished with a three-goal second half to clinch all three points and move clear into second spot. Bradford Fakaafu, EhBlutHtoo Shaw, and Justin Bielecki Stanley RynikerSua each netted a goal. Andrew Oboh and James Scanlan were both shown a yellow card. Malcolm Van Burgel was the only goal scorer for Phoenix and also picked up a yellow card. Caledonians outstanding start to the season got even better after smashing the luckless Stirling Rangers 8-0, buoyed by a stellar hat-trick from Joseph Love. Caledonians did not let up after a four-goal first half and belted home another four in the second with Edward Tikoft, Hudson Staer and Dylan Cook all getting their name on the scoresheet. In the final match of the round, Polonia smashed Bayswater by four goals after braces from duo Reuben Winter and Amos Steer. Polonia controlled the match from the first whistle, scoring four first-half goals on their way to the 6-2 win before Bayswater hit back in the second with two from Jame Opuni and Zac Mckay. Caledonians were given a more-than-handy boost to their goal difference after thumping Polonia 11-0 in round seven of the women’s division one competition on Friday night. After scoring four in the opener, the floodgates well and truly opened in the second as Caledonians feasted on Polonia with seven goals. Shelly Thompson and substitute Stephanie Grant each finished with a hat-trick while Abi Matthews scored a brace. Denmark maintained their perfect start to the season with a 6-0 result over Phoenix after a sensational brace from Lumeah Masih. In the final match of the round, Rovers were forced to split the points after a second-half equaliser from Mt Barker’s Gabrielle White. Rovers Black reclaimed top spot of the men’s division two ladder after overthrowing Phoenix on Saturday with a 2-0 win, Polonia beat Bayswater 3-0 and Rovers Gold outlasted Caledonians to win 3-2. In the women’s division two on Monday, Caledonians thumped Bayswater 5-1 and Denamrk Rezzies defeated Sharks 3-1. Phoenix achieved an unbelievable feat in the men’s division three on Tuesday night, demolishing Caledonians 18-0 with Jarrad Korthuis bagging a stunning seven goals. Denmark and Griffins drew nil-all, Rovers defeated Sharks 3-0, Crosskeys handed Polonia a 5-0 hiding, ACC won 2-1 over Rovers Vets and Old Boys won on forfeit against Bayswater.