Caledonians handed significant boost in bid to win GSSA division one title with big round eight victory

Caledonians’ bid to secure a first Great Southern Soccer Association division one league title since 2018 were given a significant boost in round eight on Saturday, defeating rivals Rovers in the O’Neill-Loveridge testimonial match at Tigerland. The testimonial match was played to honour the legacy of Caledonians stalwart Marty Loveridge and Rovers legend Gary O’Neill and their contributions to their respective clubs over several decades. A win for Rovers would have propelled them to equal-first on the table but a first-half Joseph Love strike followed by a Kai Thubb-Probst wonder-goal gave Caledonians a crucial three points in the title race, claiming a 2-1 win. Both sides had plenty of chances in the early goings with the league-leaders heading an effort wide in the opening stages before Rovers’ Justin Bielecki rattled a scintillating effort off the crossbar from a free kick. Caledonians’ Nathan Kay, Dale Bloor and Calvin Bosch held the fort down superbly, stamping out Rovers’ transition efforts and setting their team up the other way. In the later stages of the first half, Joseph Love forced a mistake in Rovers’ box before taking possession and firing in a well-taken shot from close range to open scores. Some desperate Rovers defending prevented Love from doubling their advantage early in the second half with both sides struggling to break through for a second goal. Caledonians’ Thrubb-Probst’s goal was a gem, picking up the ball in midfield in the closing stages and slicing past two would-be tacklers before rocketing in an attempt into the top left corner. Rovers would have a consolation goal minutes later through Joseph Jaruel, heading an effort into the back of the net from a free kick, but they were unable to find an equaliser before the final whistle. Goalkeeper Elliot Price was deservedly named player of the match for a brilliant shot-stopping display for Caledonians, earning the O’Neill-Loveridge award. In the other division one clash Phoenix were 5-3 winners over Polonia. In men’s division two competition Phoenix were 1-0 winners over Polonia while Caledonians defeated Rovers 6-5 to claim their fourth win of the season on Saturday. Meanwhile in the women’s division one competition, top side Mt Barker dropped points for the first time this season with Caledonians earning a 1-1 draw on Friday night. Denmark clawed their way within one point of the ladder leaders with a crushing 4-0 victory over Phoenix. Polonia broke through for their first win of the season over Sonics, 4-0. In the women’s division two competition on Friday, Phoenix Ladies Ladies remain unbeaten after their 12-0 win against Denmark Dream, Caledonians defeated Sharks Ladies 3-0, Denmark Rezzies eased to a 7-1 win against Bayswater, Mt Barker prevailed 2-0 over Polonia and Stirling Rangers claimed a 5-0 win against Rovers. All games were postponed in the men’s social grades last week.