Warriors in race to the whistle
NORTH Geelong ensured the NPL2 West title race will go down to the final round, after a crucial 3-0 victory over Moreland Zebras at Elcho Park on Saturday.
The Warriors rode their luck at times after Matthew Thorne’s opener within 15 minutes, but late goals from Rudi Saglam and Vito Cichello settled the result.
Micky Colina’s side is four points clear of the chasing pack and secured the NPL1 playoff with the win, after Whittlesea Ranges’ 8-1 self-destruction at home to Ballarat.
As it stands, the Warriors are three points adrift of league-leading Saint Albans with a game to go, but holds a better goal difference of +25 compared to Dinamo’s +21.
Regardless, according to captain Matthew Townley, it would not affect the Warriors.
“You could see from the outset, we’ve got 11 lads who would do anything for those three points and that was the difference between the two sides,” Townley said.
“No matter who we play, if we have to go through the playoff or straight up, I’ve got faith in this group.”
Despite openings for Kene Eze and Michael Anderson, it was Thorne who put the Warriors in front in the 14th minute.
Zebras keeper Stefan Sardelic feebly parried Nicholas Jurcic’s tame effort into the Englishman’s path, and his tap-in was his 9th goal of the season.
North Geelong fullbacks Josh Pugh and Nathan Long regularly found themselves in the opposing half, highlighting the home side’s dominance, but the Zebras had their chances to grab a shock equaliser.
After a fine reflex save from Daniel Zilic and goal-line clearance from Darren Lewis, Anthony Banovac and Cichello had their work cut out in midfield, coming out of the interval.
Colina’s tactical changes paid off, and substitute Saglam marked his return from injury with a timely goal in the 82nd, poking the ball past Sardelic.
Cichello made it 3-0 in the last minute of regular time with a lovely solo finish, rewarding the effort of Jurcic, who feverishly worked to win the ball after a scuffed cross.
For Colina, that final moment particularly exemplified his team’s performance and attitude.
“It came down to who wanted it more. The boys were playing for something, and their desire to play was there,” he said.
“This is the best group of boys I’ve worked with. Their honesty, camaraderie and effort is second to none, and it shows on the pitch.”