By Peter Stephenson
Esther Park was home to the third round of the State 2 South-East competition on Saturday.
Barkers (fifth ) hosted Knox City (second), hoping to bounce back from a 1-2 loss at Peninsula Strikers, while Knox was flying, having begun with two wins.
This was a special day for the evergreen Brett Tronconi, who, 22 years after his debut, became only the third Barker to reach 250 games.
Reality of course, has no regard for such occasions.
After a goalless first half, Knox took the lead in the 69th minute when, from a throw-in on the left, the ball was crossed low and ran through to Aaron Porcaro, who steered the ball home from close range. This woke Barkers up, and four minutes later, the ball was bouncing around the Knox penalty area when it fell to Steve Nittoli, whose accurate looping volley went beyond the Knox keeper Rei Ishida to equalise at 1-1.
With the game deep into stoppage time, Knox sent the ball in from the left.
Barkers headed clear, but a player lurking on the right collected the loose ball and crossed back in for Ray Markley to steer the ball in to break Barkers’ hearts.
With the last kick of the game, a Barkers’ free kick came into the Knox box, and Sam Klepac seemed to be manhandled to the ground, but the referee blew the final whistle, and Barkers had lost their first league game at home for almost two years. Full time: Mooroolbark 1-2 Knox City.
In the early game, the reserves lost 0-1 and are still looking for their first win.
On Friday night, men’s over 35s hosted Chelsea, losing 1-7 with a goal from Victor Inglese.
On Sunday afternoon, the men’s thirds visited Lilydale Montrose and had a day out. Riley Cubitt scored five goals, and Gareth Somers, Kyle Furssedonn and Luke Champion netted one each as Barkers thrashed their neighbours, 8-1.
Next for Barkers is the fourth round of the Australia Cup.
Having heroically disposed of State 2 side Malvern City in round three, they face a local derby on Thursday night, when they meet State 4 side Ringwood City, in the first meeting between the sides for 23 years.
See you down the Kennel!
