18/06/2026
🖤❤️ Round Eight 1sts & reserve grade match reports and team of the week ❤️🖤
🏆 First Grade 🏆
Leeton United produced an entertaining attacking display to secure a thrilling 4–3 victory over Yoogali FC in Round 8 of the Pascoe Cup.
Yoogali struck first through Michael Perre in the 9th minute, but Leeton responded immediately when Adrian Porcu finished brilliantly after a quality pass from Joseph Fondacaro to level the scores at 1–1 in the 10th minute.
Leeton continued to apply pressure and took the lead in the 22nd minute when Yoogali's Damon Ippoliti unfortunately turned the ball into his own net. Porcu then grabbed his second goal of the afternoon in the 38th minute, giving the home side a 3–1 advantage.
Yoogali refused to go away, with Alessandro Vottari reducing the deficit just before halftime in the 43rd minute. Dennis Scoccimaro then equalised five minutes into the second half, making it 3–3 and setting up a tense final half hour.
The match turned in the 57th minute when Yoogali's Julian Mandaglio received a yellow card followed immediately by a red card, leaving the visitors with ten men. Despite the numerical advantage, Leeton found the second half difficult to control.
The decisive moment arrived in the 80th minute. After clever play involving Zulfikar Ali and Ahmad Dias Kautsari, Eric Gardner was brought down inside the penalty area. Gardner converted the resulting spot kick to restore Leeton's lead and ultimately secure all three points.
🏆 Reserve Grade 🏆
Leeton United unfortunately failed to deliver again on the weekend, going down to Yoogali Football Club despite a spirited performance for much of the match.
The boys put in a strong first half and, although trailing 2-0 at the break, were well and truly in the contest. The mood at half-time was unusually positive, with the squad confident they could work their way back into the game.
After the break, the boys were spurred on by club stalwart Frank Alampi, who, despite his age, turned back the clock in the number nine position and made it look easy. His efforts helped Leeton pull a goal back 10 minutes into the second half to make it 2-1 and gave the side plenty of belief.
From there, Leeton applied plenty of pressure but couldn’t find the final pass to level the scores. Yoogali then regained control, adding a third goal before running away with the match, scoring another four unanswered goals in the final stages.
It’s another reminder that our biggest challenge remains consistency, with the side struggling to maintain composure once we fall behind by more than a goal. The positives are certainly there though, with several players returning from injury and suspension. Over the next few weeks, we’re hopeful of having our strongest side on the park and turning these encouraging performances into results while tightening up defensively.
Best players for Leeton United were Bryce Moore in defence, George Otto in midfield, and Frank Alampi in attack.
