North Geelong’s positive vibe

AHEAD of tonight’s clash with Bentleigh Greens in NPL1, a positive change in results and atmosphere of late is ultimately feeding a desire to atone for North Geelong.

After chances to put the game away after 45 minutes, Round 2 saw the Warriors let a half-time lead slip against last year’s minor premiers.

Last Saturday’s win at home to Pascoe Vale, has the players full of confidence for tonight’s match at Kingston Heath, according to North skipper Matthew Townley

“The vibe’s completely different to about five weeks ago, when we were out of positive performances and results,” he said.

“Although we only got the monkey off our back with the win against Pascoe Vale, we’re four games undefeated now and have put in some good performances in the process.”

With February’s defeat to the Greens in context, tonight presents an opportunity for North to not only back up that win, but reclaim points it lost.

“That game we had first time round against Bentleigh, we could have gone up 3-0 at half time. We didn’t take our chances, but we have to believe that every team is beatable at this level,” Townley said.

“We know if we play how the game best suits us, we can hurt teams.”

However, the Warriors will be without the suspended Matthew Thorne, who picked up his fifth yellow card against Pascoe Vale.

It will likely mean Kene Eze claims the central role in the Warriors’ front three, and while Nicholas Jurcic is a good chance to reclaim his starting spot, Bobby Vidanoski and Michael Anderson will vie for a spot on the other flank.

With Henry Durr and Darren Lewis’ insertions into the starting line-up, continuity in the other two thirds has created tactical stability. Warriors coach Micky Colina says it bolsters confidence.

Despite tonight being Bentleigh’s third game in the space of a week, Colina was sure to point out John Anastasiadis’ side is not one to be underestimated.

“The boys have a good idea of how we’re going to set up each week. Although the atmosphere has been positive despite all that’s gone on this season, a win can make things easier,” he said.

“It’d be nice to go to Bentleigh and get another good result, but we know we’re going to have our work cut out for us.”