FOOTSCRAY’S State League Two men’s hockey team lost 4-0 to the newly formed Greater Dandenong Warriors at the State Netball Hockey Centre in Parkville on Saturday.
Footscray went into the game with a lot of confidence following the previous week’s first win, and used the momentum to get off to a strong start.
However, early opportunities to break open the game and put Dandenong away went begging and the opposition crept back into the game.
Late in the first half the deadlock was broken.
Dandenong attacked the circle, and despite goalkeeper Daniel Shaw’s sliding attempts, Dandenong’s striker made no mistake with a well-executed shot from a tight angle into the top-right corner of the goals.
Still not out of the game, Footscray started the second half determined for an equalising goal, coming close several times.
But Dandenong continued to pressure Footscray’s defence, with its second goal coming from a short corner 10 minutes into the half.
With the momentum, Dandenong added two further goals, including a penalty stroke that put the game beyond the Bulldogs’ reach.
Footscray hosts Southern United at Altona this week as past and present players celebrate a 10-year reunion of the club’s last State League premiership win in 1998.
Playing coach of the ’98 premiership side Scott Vaughan will be coaching the visitors.
Footscray’s State League Two women had to battle for a scoreless draw in the local derby against Werribee on Saturday.
In front a large home crowd, the Werribee players took control of the game early to set up many opportunities, however goalkeeper Mel Bedggood’s handywork kept Footscray in the game.
The Bulldogs midfield and strikers had trouble creating any opportunities, while Werribee’s relentless attacks on goal were rewarded with a large number of short corners.
Footscray’s defence held firm, and led by Bedggood came away from the game with at least a point.
