By Ahmed Yussuf (@ahmedyussuf10)

Pascoe Vale SC is back to winning ways after a 3-0 win over Goulburn Valley Suns on Saturday afternoon at Hosken Reserve. 

Pascoe has been struggling to find form in recent weeks and was without a win for three weeks.

Whereas its counterparts, Goulburn Valley, needed to secure a positive result to avoid relegation.

The opening minute of the second half saw Pascoe Vale defender Adrian Talarico open the scoring with a shot in off the post to take the lead. 

The hosts then found another courtesy of veteran midfielder Michael Ferrante, who slotted coolly inside the area to double their lead. 

Jake Nakic sealed the points for Pascoe Vale four minutes later with an expertly finished goal. 

Nine minutes into the first interval, Ferrante was surging down the right wing searching for an option in the penalty box.  

The combative midfielder whipped in a cross into the path of defender Talarico, however, Suns young goalkeeper Phillip Petrovski was up to the challenge – saving from point blank range.

Former Green Gully man Bryan Vanega looked to make his presence show for new club Goulburn Valley with a long-range shot from distance. 

But Pascoe Vale stand-in goalkeeper Yaren Sozer was unfazed with the attempt, punching it safely over the crossbar.

First half substitute Joseph Youssef had the final opportunity of the first period, and the big front man received the ball from Stefan Stefanou, but was unable to find the target with his header.

The initial stage of the second half saw Pascoe Vale pounce with a long-range pass to defender Talarico, and while receiving the pass he controlled it expertly in one motion. 

The Pascoe Vale number two picked his spot and his shot was in off the post.

The Suns looked to bounce back after Talarico’s shock opener, as they found joy from the right wing.

Zachary Foxhoven cut a ball back intended for Ben Clarke but intercepted and cleared by Pascoe Vale.

Suns’ number 9, Craig Carley, went on a lung-busting run only to venture into the Pascoe Vale defensive third and shoot against the post. 

Pascoe Vale was then given another opportunity on goal after Suns’ defenders were unable to clear a free kick. 

Ferrante was found, and the midfield general coolly slotted home from inside the penalty box. 

The hosts found another this time coming from mid-season recruit Jake Nakic, who stroked the ball into the bottom corner of the goal, ensuring Suns defeat and definite relegation. 

Pascoe Vale coach Vitale Ferrante was “very happy” about his side’s second half blitz saying, “we (Pascoe Vale) were back to our best.”

“Our form in the last couple of weeks hasn’t gone to plan with injuries and players out,” Vitale said. 

“I was just very happy about that second half, it was a lot closer to where we’ve been in the past.”

Goulburn Valley Suns coach David Davkovski was unhappy about his sides impending relegation but sees positives going forward.

“The feelings okay,” Davkovski said describing the mood of his side post-match.

“It’s not about the score line, it’s about salvaging something for next year.

“And we’ve achieved that. Whoever’s watched the game can see we know how to play.”

MATCH DETAILS

Pascoe Vale SC 3 (2. Adrian TALARICO 46’, 21. Michael FERRANTE 66’, 9. Jake NAKIC 70’) defeated Goulburn Valley Suns 0 at Hosken Reserve [HT: 0-0] 

Pascoe Vale Starting XI: 1. Yaren SOZER, 2. Adrian TALARICO, 3. Nathen MEGIC, 4. Tomislav MILARDOVIC, 5. James STEFANOU, 9. Jake NAKIC, 11. Jonathan VOULGARIS (8. Joseph YOUSSEF, 24’), 14. Alvaro CARRILO, 16. Marco SANTILLI, 21. Michael FERRANTE, 22 Carl RECCHIA

Unused Subs: 17. Evan KARAVITIS, 18. Ali EYIGUN, 27. Allen JAYDEN, 13. Mathew LAZARIDES 

Yellow Cards: 4. Tomislav MILARDOVIC 34’, 21. Michael FERRANTE 54’

Red Cards: Nil

Goulburn Valley Suns: 1. Phillip PETROVSKI, 2. Cody SELLWOOD, 3. Naum SEKULOVSKI, 4. Simon COLOSIMO, 7. Ben CLARKE (15. Thomas LANGMAN, 65’), 8. Daniel CHAABANI, 9. Craig CARLEY, 10. Brian VANEGA, 14. Rossi LAGANA (18. Joseph HOGARTY,74’), 17. Zachary FOXHOVEN, 16. Frankie LAGANA (5. Riley HAMLITON, 88’)

Unused Subs: 22. Jake KEATING, 11. Adrian VUNIRI  

Yellow Cards: 3. Naum SEKULOVSKI 65’, 9. Craig CARLEY 21’ 

Red Cards: Nil

Image credit: Jason Heidrich Photography