WARRIORS STORM TO TOP

NORTH Geelong unleashed its genuine promotion credentials in convincing fashion at the weekend, defeating highly rated Pascoe Vale 2-0 at Elcho Park to storm to the top of the NPL2 Victoria ladder.

A first-half goal to George Ellis followed by a powerful strike from the edge of the box in the second half from Lachlan McGrath sealed the result for the Warriors, who had entered the match with nine players having fought off the flu during the week and with key centre back Anthony Banovac missing.

NORTH Geelong unleashed its genuine promotion credentials in convincing fashion on the weekend, defeating highly rated Pascoe Vale 2-0 at Elcho Park to storm to the top of the NPL2 Victoria ladder.

A first-half goal to George Ellis followed by a powerful strike from the edge of the box in the second half from Lachlan McGrath sealed the result for the Warriors, who had entered the match with nine players having fought off the flu during the week and key centre back Anthony Banovac missing due to a work trip.

The Warriors found their feet early in the clash at a cold and blustery Elcho Park.

In the 11th minute, hardworking flanker John Pykett delivered a delightful through ball to overlapping full-back Ellis, whose wayward shot sailed well over the target.

Ellis, who loves to drift forward and score goals, opened the scoring only eight minutes later when his headed effort from a Ryan Opperman corner ended up in the back of the net for his fourth goal of the season.

The home side went into the break with a slender lead, despite the visitors having their fair share of chances to equalise.

The Warriors opened the second stanza in attacking fashion, looking to double their advantage.

And they did not have to wait long with McGrath’s grasscutter from the edge of the box, in the 54th minute, evading everyone, including a flat-footed Pascoe Vale goalkeeper, Alex Pavlidis.

After the game, North coach Stuart Begg was more than satisfied with the result.

“This week was a challenge on and off the field,” Begg said.

“Leading into today’s game, we had a number of players missing training during the week with the flu. Also we had a key player missing today due to (work) holidays.

“We’ve spoken about challenges throughout the season and this game was, indeed, a challenge in many different ways, but one we’ve again conquered.

“I’m very happy with the players and their attitude, and the way we applied ourselves against a very good Pascoe Vale side.”

Begg was quick to dismiss talk of promotion, claiming it was premature and preferring to focus on next week’s fixture on the road.

“Our focus will now change to next week’s away game to Kingston, who are a difficult side,” he said.

“If we are top, that’s great, but there are still a lot of games to go. A lot can still happen, we are preferring to take each game, week by week.”

IN NPL3 action, Geelong SC recorded its fourth win of the season, defeating secondbottom side Springvale White Eagles 2-1 away from home, with striker Vedran Stojanovic scoring a brace.