Recap

The second game of the round was another exciting match up as Pascoe Vale took on Carlton, in what has always been a contest with plenty of goals. Pascoe were seeking a win to go top if just for a moment with Balwyn still to play, while Carlton looked to gain ground on the teams at the top of the table. Pascoe started strong as they flew out to an early lead. Andre Caro got the first goal on the board with a finish from close range, before new signing Rodrigo Cortubia doubled the advantage with a finish into the top right corner. A moment of individual brilliance from Caro then made it three as he deftly chipped the ball over Puthalakath. Mattheus Maria then dribbled round Puthalakath before slotting it past the defender on the line to put Pascoe four goals to the good. Maria then doubled his tally as he finished from point blank range after a low cross from Cortubia. After the half time whistle had gone, Joao Da Silva finished from the 10 metre penalty spot to complete a near perfect half for the defending champions.

The second half saw Pascoe take the foot off the gas as they looked to be content with their lead. Jackson Georgi finally got Carlton on the score sheet, finishing into an empty after being alert to Felipe Bley being out of his goal. Cortubia then picked up his second after some good set up play from youngster Stefan Ristic to push the lead back out to six. With the game practically all but over, both teams gave minutes to their younger players, and the game intensity died down somewhat. With a few minutes remaining Joaquin Jiminez was set up from a free kick to grab a consolation goal, but Pascoe Vale would round out a dominant display to have them sitting first for at least a couple of hours.

Man of the Match: Rodrigo Cortubia (Pascoe Vale FC)