LIONS STILL IN HUNT

GEELONG WIN SETS UP BLOCKBUSTER FINISH

GEELONG SC’s fate is set to be decided on the final day of the season after its thrilling 3-2 away win against Ballarat City set up an epic do-or-die clash against Brunswick City at Stead Park on Saturday.

The victory over bottomplaced Ballarat sees the Lions move into seventh spot on the table, just one point behind sixth-placed Brunswick City.

It means a win over Brunswick this Saturday will see Geelong leapfrog City into sixth spot and secure a berth in next season’s revamped NPL2 alongside local rival North Geelong.

A draw or a loss, however, will relegate the Lions to the new third-tiered NPL3.

After a closely contested and scoreless opening half, Ballarat took an unlikely lead in the 54th minute.

Captain Matt Townley restored parity just three minutes later, coolly slotting home from the penalty spot.

Midfielder Michael Trigger had a chance moments later with a pile-driver from just outside the box but it went inches wide off the target.

Lions forward Kyle Markham made it 2-1 in the 61st minute with a neatly placed header from a Townley delivery towards the back post.

But the home side wouldn’t go away, equalising in the 66th minute after the referee had signalled yet another penalty.

The drama didn’t end there, however, with Rodrigo Covarrubias brought down by the Ballarat keeper in the 73rd minute with the referee showing no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Townley again stepped up to take the spot kick and converted his second penalty of the afternoon and as a result secure all three crucial points for the Lions.

The captain was understandably bursting with pride following the triumph, addressing the players in the middle of the park after the final whistle.

“It was a great team effort, the team was in good spirits in the dressing rooms afterwards as we now have the chance to finish where we want to finish,” Townley said.

“We rode our luck at times but it was all about getting a win and against all odds we found a way to get that win.

“There is a real good camaraderie among the lads and we now focus all of our attention to firstly Tuesday’s training session, then Thursday’s then Friday’s and then on to the game.”

Saturday’s showdown against Brunswick City will kick off at 3pm.