Pirrottina subbed on late, saves the match

TEENAGE super-sub Anthony Pirrottina scored a match-saving equaliser just three minutes after coming on to salvage a valuable draw for Geelong in its clash with highflying Moreland City at Campbell Reserve on Saturday.

The rising 16-year-old star replaced midfielder Michael Trigger in the 73rd minute and three minutes later managed to hit the back of the net for his third goal of the season, nullifying Corey Thomas’s opener for Moreland City in the 65th minute.

Pirrottina’s late cameo was reminiscent of his incredible matchwinning performance against Brunswick City back in Round 11, when he came on late in the game to score two goals in the 87th and 92nd minutes respectively, to clinch a memorable 2-1 win in his debut off the bench for the Lions.

The Lions went into Saturday’s game with David Booth in goal, replacing regular custodian Dylan Nikolovski, who sustained an arm injury late in last week’s game against Whittlesea Stallions.

After a scoreless first half, the home side took the lead 20 minutes into the second period through Thomas.

In the 76th minute, as the Geelong flankers broke out to the right side of the pitch through Bogdan Nicolescu, a lofted cross came over to the far side and a composed Pirrottina positioned himself well at the back post to guide the ball home past the Moreland City keeper.

Geelong coach Dom Barba was elated with his teenager’s match-saving effort.

“He was like a striker beyond his years, able to come on and do the job with the poise and composure of an experienced striker and do it brilliantly,” Barba said.

“Disappointingly, some of our forwards didn’t have the same composure when presented with two or three other goalscoring chances earlier in the game.”

Still, Barba was reasonably satisfied. “It’s a positive result, nonetheless,” he said.

“A step in the right direction. We have eight games to go — including the one catchup game — and it gives us a real good platform going up against teams above us on the ladder, knowing what we are capable of doing.”

Despite only securing a point from the draw, Geelong jumps up a spot into seventh position on the ladder.

Next round, the Lions await local rivals North Geelong Warriors in what is shaping up to be an epic Round 22 derby battle at Stead Park under lights. apiece