Warriors strike in opener
THE North Geelong Warriors began their NPL2 campaign with a 1-0 win over Brunswick City at Elcho Park on Saturday evening.
After a sluggish first half where Brunswick had the best chances through Ratip Cileli and Gaku Matsuda, the Warriors’ pressure lifted in the second half.
Brunswick’s Austin Wong had an early effort that was deflected onto the post by Warriors keeper Hamish Flavell, but from there, the home side’s pressure lifted.
The Warriors were rewarded for their pressure when Lochie McGrath whipped in a pinpoint cross for Darius Madison, who finished the move off with a perfectly placed header.
Despite a late scare courtesy of a 90th minute Brunswick penalty, the Warriors held on for the three points, with Nathaniel Fox hitting the penalty over the crossbar.
Warriors coach James Coutts said his side would learn from the slow start, but ultimately, deserved the three points.
“I thought we were a little bit slow out of the blocks. We still had moments in the first half, but in the second half I thought we came out and dominated the game from the first whistle,” Coutts said.
“We can’t take that long to start dictating games, but that being said, Brunswick are a good side and there is no doubt that they will be competing.”
“Once we got a little bit more intensity off the ball, which is what we are good at, and played our game, I thought we really settled into a good rhythm.”
Goal scorer Darius Madison said the team and his individual performance would provide a blueprint for the Warriors side to build on as the season progresses.
“We had a good team last year, but we are trying not to rely on one key player,” Madison said.
“I am just trying to be as fit as possible. I had a decent season last year, but I want to do a lot better. I know it comes down to fitness and keeping my head in the game.”
The Warriors will look to continue their perfect start to the season when they face the Moreland Zebras at CB Smith Reserve this Saturday afternoon.