WARRIORS’ HOPES FADE

PROMOTION PLAYOFF ALL BUT GONE

NORTH Geelong’s hopes of reaching a promotion playoff spot are fading, after a nil-all draw against second-placed Moreland Zebras.

In harrowing conditions that included torrential rain, hail and strong winds, both sides’ defences shone in an understandably scrappy affair on Saturday.

North remains four points behind Moreland on the league ladder and will be without key striker Darius Madison in the next fixture after he was given a straight red for dissent in the 84th minute.

Warriors coach James Coutts had frank advice for his star player postmatch.

“It was disappointing. The ref has told me what was said. If what’s said was said then he deserves to be sent off,” Coutts said.

“He’s a young player learning his trade in the game. He has all the ability in the world, but if you’re going to make mistakes like that it’s going to cause some disappointment.

“We’ll support him, we’ll help him, but you’ve got to learn.”

Moments before, Madison looked to be the matchwinner when he found himself in space at the top of the box but, like many chances from both sides during the course of the

game, it lacked the decisive edge.

Coutts praised Madison’s improving discipline but admitted the bouts of frustration are hindering his performance.

“You can’t have all the ability in the world without the work ethic and the mindset to get to the top,” Coutts said.

“Little things like that will hold him back, but I believe in his mentality improving.

“Since I’ve come here he’s improved no end, but there’s been little slips and we can’t afford them to keep happening, otherwise he won’t get to where his potential could allow him to.”

It was evident from the outset that the conditions would be a pertinent factor in the result, and Moreland created the more appealing chances in the first half.

The Zebras were left to rue squandering two golden opportunities early when the rain was at its heaviest and from there North’s defence tightened, led by Ben Hampson, who was superb all day making a number of crucial challenges.

Lewis Waight again showed why he is keeping Anthony Banovac out of the second centre-back position with another polished performance, while Julien Cassano continues to look at home in left back, capping off a third clean sheet in a row for the Warriors’ de

fensive unit.