Sport
17 July, 2026
Kynan Carter magic leads Maryborough to 4-0 win
A sensational hat-trick from Kynan Carter guided the Maryborough Soccer Club to their 10th victory of the season on Sunday, defeating Forest Rangers 4-0.
With seven rounds remaining in the Ballarat and District Soccer Association’s third division, the blue and whites currently sit eight points clear at the top of the table after another impressive showing at Ron Sinclair Oval.
Right from the opening kick-off, the hosts began firing at the Forest Rangers goal, including a sensational Jake Bucknall volley from around 30 yards out that forced a fabulous early save from goal-keeper Charles Rowland.
Maryborough talisman Julian Callea had the first clear-cut chance of the match inside six minutes, but his finish dragged just wide of the far post.
Carter saved Callea’s blushes in the eighth minute, as he opened the scoring with a long shot that took a fortunate bounce in front of Rowland.
A brilliant pass from Callea to Johno Melton had the blue and whites through on goal again shortly thereafter. While Rowland made a brilliant save to deny Melton, a fortunate rebound fell directly to Carter, who made no mistake putting the hosts 2-0 up inside 11 minutes.
Despite already suffering two heavy defeats against Maryborough by a combined scoreline of 20-1 earlier this season, Forest Rangers remained positive, beginning to get in behind Maryborough’s high defensive line.
The defensive efforts of Andrew Love, Neil Smyth and Lachlan Cullum ensured the blue and whites survived some scares late in the first half and entered the break with their 2-0 lead intact.
Callea added to Maryborough’s advantage seven minutes after half time, making it 3-0 with his 11th goal against Forest Rangers this season in just three matches.
Maryborough’s victory became even sweeter for Carter in the 62nd minute, completing his terrific trifecta with a well-taken finish.
The blue and whites backline ensured Forest Rangers couldn’t add a late consolation goal, helping goalkeeper Bayden Macintyre secure Maryborough’s fifth clean sheet of the season.
Maryborough will return to Ron Sinclair Oval this Sunday to take on the Ballarat Soccer Club.
Callea was outstanding in the blue and whites’ last meeting with Ballarat, scoring a decisive double in a pivotal 3-0 victory.