Sport
6 June, 2025
Maryborough lose tight match 1-0
A mettlesome Maryborough Soccer Club had chances to cause a major upset against the reigning premiers, just losing out against Forest Rangers 1-0.
Forest Rangers were the favourites entering this contest, sitting in third behind Ballarat North and Vikings FC after a disappointing draw to Creswick in round seven.
However, after some passages of dominance in their defeat to Ballarat last week and the return of top scorer Julian Callea, Maryborough was quietly confident they could wipe any memory of their 15-1 loss from their last trip to Wendouree West Reserve in 2024.
The game started at a relatively slow tempo, with both teams looking to wear down their opponents early.
Then, in the 22nd minute, Forest Rangers broke the deadlock through an unlikely source, with Billy Mroczkowski scoring his first goal of the season to put the hosts 1-0 up.
Forest Rangers continued to command possession after taking the lead, putting Maryborough in uncomfortable positions and forcing some risky challenges from Mitchell Gardam and Kynan Carter, which received cautions.
After conceding a goal with the last kick in the first half against Ballarat, the blue and whites weathered the storm, remaining just a goal behind after 45 minutes.
Determined to score their first goal since their round four win against Creswick, Maryborough started to find slight openings in the Forest Rangers’ defence in their search for an equaliser.
With last week’s 90th-minute leveller from Creswick’s Daniel Irving still fresh in Forest Rangers’ mind, the hosts were slightly nervy when Maryborough surged forward as time ticked away in the second half.
The blue and whites threw the kitchen sink late to try and snatch a point, but Forest Rangers held their nerve, taking a vital three points.
That isn’t to take away from the gritty performance from Maryborough, who showcased they can compete with the best in the Ballarat and District Soccer Association on any given Sunday.
The blue and whites have an extra week to prepare for their clash with the undefeated ladder leaders Ballarat North at Jubilee Oval.
Ballarat North took six points from Maryborough last season, opening their season with a 7-0 victory against the blue and whites and winning the away fixture 6-0.