Round 9: North Geelong (0) v Thomastown (1)
In a game that seemed destined for a nil all draw due to the inability of either team to put the final touches together, North Geelong can consider itself very unlucky to not have gained at least a point out of the weekend’s fixture.
The first half didn’t offer too many clear-cut chances for either team. Although, as is becoming the trend, North Geelong continues to be the enforcer and enjoyed the greater share of possession however, it wasn’t able to convert that into chances.
Tom Gavran enjoyed his return to the first team, replacing captain Mijo Trupkovic who is out for a few weeks for his upcoming nuptials and he performed admirably. Gavran was winning possession and distributing but the chances were not coming. Grgo Saric and Adrian Cervinksi were also offering leadership and as the half wore on it seemed the momentum was swinging and the wide play of Zel Vranjic was coming into play but, time ran out and the teams went in a halftime at 0-0.
The second half started much the same as the first did. North Geelong took a little while to get going and as soon as they were looking the goods, Thomastown capitalised on a diagonal pass which caught North Geelong’s midfield square and up the pitch, a ball which the defence attempted to catch Thomastown offside but, the linesman’s flag stayed down and the cross was pushed past Zilic to give the visitors the lead.
The Warriors responded with immediate pressure and you felt like the tide was turning, Gavran, Siketa and Vranjic were getting time on the ball and finding the gaps, but Thomastown were not letting go of three points that easily and gave Demo and Cervinksi no room. Zadworny found himself in gaps as he tends to do but the finish wasn’t there on the day.
Soon after North Geelong received a penalty and the experienced Cervinksi was lining up for what everyone took for granted would be a goal, unfortunately, the keeper had his measure and saved well. That was the story of the day, a lot of dominance but chances gone begging. The game ended 0 – 1 to Thomastown and the league is now congested with 6 teams separated by 3 points.
Next week is a catch up round and North Geelong has no game, it’s next match is against league leader Brunswick City away on the 13th June. The next home match is against Altona East on June 20th.
This Sunday is North Geelong’s monthly club lunch, come and relax and chat with friends with a beautiful 3-course lunch. Call Josip on 0424 145 552 or George on 0438 043 029 for bookings.
