Sport
9 May, 2025
Maryborough Soccer Club earn first victory of 2025, defeating Creswick 2-1
A brilliant brace from Julian Callea has bolted the Maryborough Soccer Club to its first win of the season, defeating the Creswick Cougars 2-1.
The blue and whites entered their round four encounter with a bit of confidence after claiming their first point of the season against Daylesford and Hepburn United thanks to a 92nd minute equaliser from Callea.
That confidence paid dividends early, as a daring through ball to Callea saw him one-on-one with the Creswick goalkeeper Thomas Appleton, and the in-form winger made no mistake, chipping it past Appleton to give Maryborough the lead inside six minutes.
An early advantage seemed to embolden Maryborough, frequently asking questions of the Creswick defence with long balls behind the backline.
Despite some great passing from Luke Bucknall and David Scofield creating half-chances for Jake Bucknall and Callea, the blue and whites were unable to double their lead.
The Cougars also had chances to respond, predominately orchestrated by skillful winger Gus Charles, but the blue and whites held firm as the score remained at 1-0 at half time.
The contest continued to be a box-to-box affair when play resumed for the second half, as both sides were determined to leave Doug Lindsay Recreation Reserve with three points.
After a tense 25 minutes, it was that man again Callea who put the blue and whites 2-0 up in the 71st minute, extending his early season goal spree to six in four games.
As Maryborough looked to play out the last 20 minutes to secure that elusive victory, Creswick pulled one back through Florian Metivier and suddenly the visitors had a nervy 10 minutes ahead of them.
The Cougars threw everything at the blue and whites, but Maryborough held on to earn a crucial 2-1 win away from home.
Maryborough will hope to keep the winning times rolling on Sunday when they play their 2025 home opener at Jubilee Oval in a tough test against the Corangamite Lions, who defeated the Creswick Cougars 5-2 in round two.
