Surf Coast smash Barwon 8-1 to move closer to State League 4 title

Surf Coast moved closer to the State League 4 title with a thumping win over a local rival as a mid-season signing continued his strong form. See all the photos from Saturday’s game.

Yunosuke Hara celebrates a goal. Picture: Mark Wilson

Surf Coast took a giant leap towards securing the Men’s State League 4 title on Saturday night, with an emphatic 8-1 win over an outclassed Barwon SC in the local derby.

The absence of Jak Banks, Tom Banks, Blake Robinson and Fin Murphy wasn’t the ideal manner in which to head into the game against the runaway title favourites, but Barwon managed to keep the Coasters to 2-1 at the break.

Nonetheless, it was all the home side in the second half, as Surf Coast piled on six goals without reply to run out convincing winners.

Japanese import Masamichi Kuroyanagi was the undoubted star of the show, scoring four goals to double his season’s tally to eight – seven of those coming in the last three matches.

His compatriot Yunosuke Hara, meanwhile, also scored, his third goal in four matches since signing mid-season.

The other goalscorer for the Coasters was Mylton Bailey with a double and an own goal.

Christian Davis, meanwhile, scored the visitors’ only goal.

The Coasters have opened up a nine-point lead at the top of the standings, with five games remaining, after the previously second placed Keilor Wolves were held to a 2-2 draw by Balmoral FC.

“We lost the game against a really strong team with a strong bench,” a disappointed Barwon coach Dale Harris said after the game.

“It was 2-1 at half time and we were still in it. Two long shots, however, was the nail in the coffin. After that, our heads then dropped and floodgates opened.”

Nonetheless, Harris did give his opponents the ultimate acknowledgment, suggesting the Torquay side already had the title in their grasp.

“I wish Surf Coast all the best in State League Three next season, they fully deserved the title,” Harris said.

His Surf Coast counterpart, Denis Holtgrefe, was extremely happy with the way in which his players had won the game.

“We dominated the game for most parts against a defensive opposition. We moved the ball with good intensity and were also strong on the second ball throughout the game,” he explained.

“Barwon defended well, but once we broke through the first time, we were able to apply pressure in their third.

“The lads worked hard for those three points and played attractive football. All eyes are now on Tuesday’s training session. We want to keep improving and now focus on targeting the next three points.”

Next week is a catch up round. In a fortnight’s time, Surf Coast will travel to second last placed Barnstownworth, while Barwon will take on bottom placed Truganina United at home.

A win is vital for the Grovedale Reserve outfit to stay clear of the drop zone.

Originally published as Surf Coast smash Barwon 8-1 to move closer to State League 4 title