Effort there but wasteful Warriors remain in the cellar
NORTH Geelong remains bottom of the NPL1 ladder, following yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Saint Albans at Churchill Reserve.
The Warriors had ample opportunities to put the result beyond doubt in the first half alone, but were ultimately punished for their profligacy, via a controversial Dinamo penalty to equalise.
According to North coach Micky Colina, the disparity between result and performance summed this year up.
Despite the season effectively being over, he was nevertheless happy with his side’s application.
“We had enough chances to win a couple of games today, and that’s all it came down to,” Colina said post-match. “It’s why we are where we are.”
“The boys were great. We had a game plan and aside from putting away those opportunities, they carried it out pretty well.
“At the end of the day, you want to be competitive in any situation.
“You always play to win, whenever you take the park and I think the boys showed that effort today.”
Although it was Dinamo’s season that was on the line, the visitors started much the better of the two sides, with greater energy and assertiveness.
After conceding within the opening minute in the first fixture this year, North Geelong deservedly took the lead in the 12th minute.
Josh Pugh’s inswinging corner was met by Matthew Thorne, who confidently headed home.
Despite Saint Albans’ shakiness when defending the dead ball, Kene Eze and Bobby Vidanoski had clear openings from open play by the halfhour.
While Nicholas Kostadinoski denied Eze with a fine save, Vidanoski’s first-touch failed him when through on goal, in what would have settled the match.
They both had chances in the second half with only Kostadinoski to beat, but neither hit the target.
Daniel Slovacek’s introduction gave Saint Albans energy, but they arguably found the equaliser under fortunate circumstances.
In the 73rd minute, Mat- thew Townley thought he had cleanly dispossessed Rodrigo Covarrubias in the penalty area, only for referee Alejandro Azcurra to rule otherwise.
Ryan McGuffie converted from the spot and in a dour finish, neither could ultimately claim the three points.
“It definitely was not a pen. When the referee looks back on that one, if he’s honest, he’ll admit it too,” Colina said.
“There was no shortage of effort and at this stage, that’s all I can ask for.”