Whittlesea Ranges were the big winners of Saturday’s NPL2 West action, with their win over St Albans Saints not only earning a win over a top-six rival in that close race for promotion, but also allowed them to gain ground on North Geelong as only one of two sides – the other being Melbourne City, who themselves go up to third – in that chasing group to earn three points. The Warriors themselves drew with rival Ballarat, while the Zebras were dealt a big blow at the hands of crosstown rivals Moreland City.
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1. A point a piece at Elcho Park maintains unbeaten streaks for Warriors and Red Devils
North Geelong Warriors retained their position at the top of the conference standings after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with an impressive Ballarat Red Devils outfit at Elcho Park. Neither sides managed to find the breakthrough in a tight first half with the visitors looking to extend their unbeaten run of form to seven matches, while their opponents had not lost in nine.
Micky Colina’s men would open the scoring against the run of play when midfielder Vito Cichello scored from the edge of the area minutes after Red Devils midfielder Shaun Romein had struck the crossbar. However James Robinson’s side were not to be denied as Michael Trigger scored goal number six of the season to ensure a share of the spoils between the two forms sides in west.
2. Whittlesea move back to second as two goals see off St Albans Saints
Whittlesea Ranges returned to winning ways after recording a 2-1 triumph over St Albans at Epping Stadium. In-form forward Atilla Ofli almost opened the scoring in the 12th minute only for Saints shot-stopper Alex Baird to produce a great save to keep the scores deadlocked. But that relief proved to be only temporary as Jordan Brown scored in the 20th minute from close range for his second of the campaign.
The visitors went in search of an equaliser in the second period with substitute Barry Devlin having a goal ruled out for offside. Whittlesea then doubled their lead in the 84th minute as a great solo run from Ofli saw him square the ball to George Slefendorfas for a tap-in. Ryan McGuffie reduced the deficit via the penalty spot in injury time, with the goal proving to be a mere consolation as Vinko Buljubasic tasted victory against his former club.
3. Melbourne City move up to third after narrow victory over a spirited Sunshine
Melbourne City were able to take the three points from a stubborn Sunshine George Cross. George Cross were knocked over early when Yusuf Ahmed tapped in courtesy of a great cross from captain Cristaldo Cristaldo. However George Cross would not lie down as they began to pile pressure on the City back four. Yaren Sozer was lucky to remain on the field when he collected Sunshine striker Ahmet Turer, only cautioned for the offence. George Cross were awarded for their hard work when Adrian Loggozzo teed up Ahmet Turer who toe-poked the ball past the helpless Sozer at the second time of asking.
The sides went into the break at the half with not much to separate them and a lot to play for in the second half. Despite Sunshine’s constant urge forward it would be Melbourne City who would regain the lead. Athanasiou regained possession from McCall’s turnover and drove in a powerful shot from 35 yards out.
4. Zebras winless in four as Thomas settles Moreland derby in City’s favour
Despite their struggles to date this season in sitting away from the leading pack, Moreland City’s derby win over the Zebras puts a dent in the latter’s promotion hopes. The Zebras now sit fifth, only two spots above their crosstown rivals, but still only four points from the top-placed Warriors.
It was City with the early running at home, with Osman Kose coming close from the edge of the area only to see his shot fly just wide. A zebras corner almost resulted in a goal but in the ensuing goalmouth scramble the hosts were able to clear the ball. The winner came in the 65th minute when Casey Thomas’ effort beat custodian Nikola Kostandinovski.
5. Sabbadini tastes success in fifth game in charge as Werribee record first win
Werribee City claimed their first win of the season over a nine-man Bendigo when Bobby Vidanoski’s double was followed up by Domenico Marafioti’s strike. Werribee raced out of the blocks early with a goal in fifth minute via the former.
While Bendigo battled for the remainder of the first period, in a horror seven-minute spell in the second half, goalkeeper Donte Thomas was sent off before Isaac Commadeur was also given his marching orders. It allowed Werribee to nab two more goals to help the margin out to three goals.
Image: Mark Avellino