Gallery: Under-21s suffer first loss of 2023

By Aydin Payne

Jul 12, 2023

Riding the bumps: Goulburn Valley Suns’ Kielan Caiafa tries to keep possession of the ball during his side’s maiden loss of the NPL3 under-21 season at the weekend. Photo by Megan Fisher

An absorbing second half goal-fest saw Goulburn Valley Suns’ under-21s succumb to their maiden loss of the 2023 campaign.

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Despite suffering the 4-2 defeat to Box Hill United, the under-21s remain as the second best ranked outfit in the competition.

Five goals were scored in a pulsating and action-packed second half display, as the Suns came up against a fiery United outfit at McEwen Reserve on Saturday.

Box Hill found the back of the net first on the cusp of the half-time whistle, before the away side piled on a further three goals in the space of 11 minutes at the hour mark.

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Leading the way: GV Suns' under-21s captain Marcus Thomas. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Hunting down his opponent: GV Suns' Rocky Papalia. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Precision passing: GV Suns' Leon Anderson. Photo by Megan Fisher

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In heavy traffic: GV Suns' Cailyn Trask. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Winding up: GV Suns' Cailyn Trask. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Run with him: GV Suns' Rocky Papalia. Photo by Megan Fisher

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In the zone: GV Suns' Murtaza Gulzari. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Head over the ball: GV Suns' Cailyn Trask. Photo by Megan Fisher

Suns managed two late consolation goals, first through Parmdeep Singh in the 78th minute and the second came 10 minutes later thanks to Laywi Niyonkuru.

News photographer Megan Fisher attended the under-21 hit-out and captured plenty of action.