Once again the weather and field conditions claimed some of the games this past weekend with the exception of the men’s premier team who after losing their first game on turf in four years probably on reflection would have wished that their game would have been cancelled.

In men’s premier action division “B” leaders Surrey United visited Sapperton at Burnaby Lake and the 1-0 loss halted their unbeaten streak at seven games. While still missing four regulars, United battled hard and at the end of the day can certainly claim to have done enough to earn at least a share of the points. After a scoreless first half, where chances were at a premium United looked to have taken the lead at the sixty minute mark but somehow Sean Crocker’s chipped shot was tipped brilliantly over the bar by Sapperton keeper Cory Breure as he peddled backwards towards his own goal. United midfield ace Todd Stauber grazed the cross-bar two minutes later with an acute angled shot that deceived the keeper but the ball rebounded to safety and it was a signal that it was unlikely to be United’s day. At the other end of the park, at the 72nd minute, Sapperton broke the deadlock when they had a couple of shots blocked before the ball bounced somewhat fortuitously directly into the path of their veteran midfielder Paul Favaro who steered the ball into the corner of the net. Although, United pressed forward relentlessly and enjoyed a considerable amount of possession for the remaining eighteen minutes they were unable to breakdown a defiant Sapperton team who over the years have always demonstrated that they certainly know how to hang on to a one goal lead.

In men’s Under 21 action United visited last placed Nomads and secured a comfortable 4-0 win with a couple of goals in either half. The shocking field conditions certainly did not contribute to what was an easily forgettable performance. Joe Grogan nabbed a pair of goals with Les Antone and Evan Howard getting singles and Junaid Rasheed chipped in with a pair of helpers. Taylor Weakes achieved the shut-out without having to save a single shot.

The men’s division one team had their game postponed after traveling to the park in Burnaby and the men’s division two game featured the two teams who were tied for second spot team. United emerged victorious in this key game by a margin of 2-1 at Cloverdale Athletic Park, getting got off to a great start when player of the game Jordan Gibbs scored in the sixth minute.

Ten minutes later Westside tied up the scores and the game remained tied until the sixty-fifth minute when Matt Orsono converted a Gibbs set up cross to earn all the points.

The masters left it mighty late and have veteran Steve Reed to thank for scoring in the last minute to win by a margin of 3-2 over Aldergrove in league play. Spiro Pegios deserved most of the credit on the goal having done all the spadework apparently leaving Reed with a simple tap in! United had opened the scoring in the first half through midfield maestro Kelly Bey. Then when Pegios scored United’s second early in the second half it seemed it would stand up as the insurance marker. However, a determined Aldergrove team refused to quit and they battled back strongly to tie-up the game setting the scene for Reed’s last minute heroics.

In Ladies premier action United needing three points to seal at lest a tie for first place in the league had a struggle against lowly Poco and in fact found themselves a goal down at half-time. However, the defending provincial champions regained control of the game in the early part of the second half scoring three goals in quick succession to put the game beyond the home team’s reach. Megan Blaker opened the scoring at the 55th minute and then Jill Stewart added the second shortly afterwards. Natalie Halcro got the insurance marker and her ninth goal of the season which took her into first place in the Surrey United scoring race one goal ahead of Martina Holan-Franko and Sharon Lehnert who are both on eight goals. With a no show referee for the ladies Under 21 game they were sadly idle on a day when they were looking forward to their league game after a fine outing on the Friday night losing 2-1 to Trinity Western University at Cloverdale Turf.

The most surprising but most satisfying result of the weekend was for the ladies division one team who despite their lack of wins this season have managed to maintain a positive outlook. They visited top of the table Langley and came away with a fully deserved 3-1 victory. Leading scorer Ellen Malterer led the way with a two goal performance and also added an assist and she was ably supported by midfield dynamo Jen Allan who also had an outstanding game.

In fact, we selected Ellen Malterer as this week’s Player of The Week for getting the all important goals in an impressive victory. Each Weekly Winner will have their name entered into a random draw for the monthly prize of for Dinner for Two.