GSSA 2024: Rovers complete heroic comeback in men’s division one, Denmark power ahead in women’s division one

Phoenix remains undefeated through the opening six rounds of the 2024 Great Southern Soccer Association men’s division two competition after a sensational victory over Rovers Gold on Saturday. After netting two goals in the first half, the ladder leaders powered to the 6-0 victory with four second-half goals, tightening their hold on top spot. Rovers Black leapfrogged Polonia into second on the ladder after handing them a 3-1 defeat, meanwhile Caledonians notched an impressive 4-1 victory over Bayswater. In men’s division one, third-placed Rovers overcame a first-half deficit to Polonia to register a stunning 5-2 comeback victory on Saturday, behind a stunning Justin Bielecki hat-tick and Joseph Iaruel brace. Rovers were trailing 2-1 at the half time whistle after goals from Polonia’s Amos Staer and Reuben Winter but found another gear in the second and netted four goals to win the match. Despite Bielecki and Iaruel’s goal-scoring heroics, the pair each picked up a yellow card in the resurgent win. Ladder-toppers Caledonians are still undefeated after six rounds following a consummate 5-2 victory over Bayswater, spearheaded by a superb hat-trick from Joseph Love. Caledonians did most of the damage in the first half, entering the break with a 3-0 lead before Bayswater’s Zachary Cash and Marlon Dewata each netted a goal in the second to make the scoreline slightly more respectable. Corey Plug scored a stunning double hat-trick leading Phoenix to a resounding 7-2 victory over the struggling Stirling Rangers, while teammate Jason Bosch netted a superb hat-trick after coming off the bench. Caelen Lambe scored a goal for the Rangers, alongside Ben Plowman, who also picked up a yellow card. Women’s division one reigning champions Denmark tightened their hold on top of the ladder with a 2-0 triumph over second-placed Caledonians on Friday night. After being locked at nil-all after 45 minutes, Denmark claimed their sixth straight victory of the campaign courtesy of goals from Lumeah Masih and Stella Gleeson. Mt Barker bounced back onto the winner’s list following last week’s loss to Denmark with a dominant 6-1 victory over Polonia. After leading 2-1 at the half, Mt Barker powered away to the 6-1 win with Ellie Puls and Libby Morris each netting a brace and substitute Kaylyn Williams chipping in with one. In the final match of the round, Phoenix notched a 3-0 victory over Rovers with Jasmine Koster scoring a brace and Elisabeth Bosch converting one. In the women’s division two on Friday night, Caledonians smashed Bayswater 5-0, Sharks defeated Denmark Rezzies 3-2 and Phoenix thumped Rovers 9-0. One-sided affairs littered the men’s division three score sheets on Tuesday night with three matches being decided by at least 7-0. Griffins beat Bayswater 7-0, Polonia hammered Rovers 9-0 and Crosskeys handed Caledonians an 8-0 pummelling. The slightly more contested games had Old Boys win 4-0 over ACC, Rovers Vets beat Phoenix 2-0 and Denmark and Sharks split the points at 1-1.