Heat's on Hawks' pitch

THE action hots up in the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League tonight when division one leaders Eaglehawk and Colts United do battle under lights at Truscott Reserve.Colts must win to have any chance of winning the championship.A victory for Eaglehawk on the California Gully pitch would clinch back-to-back titles.In the latest round, Colts was beaten by Strathdale, and Eaglehawk thrashed Moama.Colts has many options going forward, with Jamie Brown, Dylan Callaway and Sam Gower all ominous near goal.The Eaglehawk defence led by Mat Schepers and Chris Hopley will work to restrict their ability to run with the ball.United midfielders Phil Berry, Alf Longano, Bill Ross and Josh Raeburn will set up the chances.The defence is missing Tim Lee and Adam Castleton, but Zac Kinsman and Lachlan Rampling will be at the back to support goalkeeper Trent Dole.The Borough forwards will test Dole all match, with Sean Boxshall and Ryan Quintano looking to deliver a knock-out blow early on. The Borough will look to run and move the ball quickly, with the likes of Darren Scoble, Shane Eleveld, Colin Samuel and Simon Doherty all firing home goals in various games so far.Goalkeeper Chris Samuel will again play a key role for the Hawks. Another close match is expected between Strathdale and Epsom, which has been moved to the La Trobe University Bendigo athletics complex in Retreat Road, Flora Hill.Epsom has a chance to move into outright second if Colts is beaten.Strathdale will look for a win to close the gap on Epsom in third. Earlier in the year, Epsom defeated Strathdale, but the Blues have improved dramatically since then.Strathdale is the only team to beat both Eaglehawk and Colts this season. Epsom struck nine goals in last week’s clash with Swan Hill and a forward line led by Trent Gladstone and Peter Angove will keep the pressure on. Epsom’s midfield has attacked well in recent games and the classy Trevor Harvey, Jared Ridsdale, David Stynes, Jimmy Angove and Cameron Harvey can finish off chances. The Scorpions’ defence of Hamish Gladstone, Rod Kane and Aaron Baker must be accountable and limit mistakes, with Strathdale capable of scoring now from limited opportunities.Strathdale scored three goals in last week’s win against Colts, as Nathan Sartori and Rhys Clayton were on target.They must break even in the midfield, with Sartori, Sean McInally, Jackson Clayton and Mark Brayshaw looking to attack at every chance. The Blues’ defence will need to be watchful of a skilful Epsom attack.Elia Andrews, Nick Watson, Justin Sartori and goalkeeper Jack Gwynn will be keen to stop Epsom from scoring.The round kicks off this afternoon when Kyneton takes on Spring Gully at Barkly Square.Gully has had indifferent form in front of goals in recent weeks.The Reds struck seven goals in last week’s win against Golden City, but was held scoreless the previous round against Eaglehawk.Vinh Dang, Dennis Barnett, Ben Townsend and Alex Garvin will look to finish off scoring chances.A midfield led by Josh Naunton and Tim Wastell will stretch the Kyneton side throughout.The Reds’ defence has tightened up, with Luke Tempest, Daryl Waldock and Jason Eames to get another tough workout this week.Kyneton did not get to play last week and will be keen for another win at home. Simon Harman and Ken Turley will lead the Rangers’ attack.Luke Maloney, Sheldon Crook and Callan Field are dangerous near goal and must be marked closely.In defence, Nathan Sims and Ryan Cole are disciplined and if they play up to usual standards will make it difficult for the Reds to win this match.Golden City takes on Moama at Shadforth Park.Moama has gone for youth this season and they have played well for the Raiders. Golden City battled hard for the majority of last week’s clash with Spring Gully.The play of Moama’s Kyle McCann, Andrew Harland and Robin Philpott will go a long way in determining whether they can win this game.City will look to take the game at the Raiders from the opening whistle and must be more attacking in its play.The Rams will look to the experience of Steven Graham and Todd Morley to control the tempo of the game, while Shaun O’Shae and Peter Stockx will do plenty of hard running to link up play.Castlemaine will be eyeing its third victory of the season when it plays at Swan Hill.The Castlemaine defence led by David Richardson, Dale Trotter and Jack Barker nee to be on their game from the start.The midfield battle will be crucial.Jonathon Burris, David Richardson, Seb Lukosek and David Hackenberger will join forces in many of Castlemaine’s attacks.Swan Hill face another huge task to rebound from another big loss.Talented youngsters, Thomas Mitchell and Ahmad Al-Hasani work hard, but need more support from the likes of Paul Strugnell and Stefan Knudsen for the Swans to achieve their first victory of the season.