Round 17 Westgate (0) vs North Geelong Warriors (1)
A marvellous performance of grit and determination lead to a successful weekend for the North Geelong Warriors.
In reserves action we witnessed their best performance of the season, the type of football mirrored that of the senior team with organised defence and precise forward pushing passes. In a rare reserves hit out, club captain Trupkovic joined the seconds to get some much needed match practice in his legs, returning from his overseas honeymoon. He as well as numerous others such as Music, Stocki, Alic and the impressive Roksa were huge contributors to a 5 – 0 score line that any coach in any league could be proud of. Well-done lads.
The seniors were given early indication that it wasn’t going to be a walk over as the previous hitout with Westgate. As most relegation threatened teams tend to do they frustrate and pester with a lot of physically unsavoury football. Early hits to Gavran, Zadworny and Cervinski were signs that the Warriors were up for an old fashioned battle. The first 20 minutes saw both teams squander chances and no one really settle into any rhythm. Soon after though it was the Warriors who overcame the nuisance factor of the physical contest and showed up their inept opponents. Zadworny, Cervinski and Kuna all taking command of their positions to provide some excellent lead up play. Gavran in a rare start for the season was also not having any part of the rough play and soldiered on to provide good wide options, which lead to a free kick. Saric whipped the ball in and an obvious hand ball from the marking defender seemed to be noticed by all except for the referee and his assistant standing right in front of it. Wesgate tried clawing their way back into it and hit with a counter only to meet Zilic in goal who spread himself brilliantly to thwart the chance. The half ended 0 –0 but you could sense the Warriors were only just getting into it.
The second saw a few missed chances from Kuna, Demo and Zadworny and although frustrating it was showing the Warriors that the cracks were appearing in the Westgate defence, who looked like they were only out there to wrestle instead of play football. And this was evident in the red card for Westgate for a behind the play retaliation on Arthey who tackled well and found himself on the deck and then a face full of boots from his opponent. The other red was for Zadworny who received 2 yellow cards in the 2nd half to receive his marching orders. The next 10 minutes were end to end, a few counter moves by both teams came up with no goal but a sense that one teams defence will have to crack under pressure for a goal to result. With 20 mins to go Buljubasic sensed steadying was required and brought on Trupkovic to give the Warriors an edge in the midfield and he immediately got on with it. Trupkovic provided D’Antino several runs down the wing but the final ball didn’t give the forwards what they were looking for. The pressure was on; with the dying minutes approaching the Warriors received a free kick in front of the box. Cervinksi stepped up and finished perfectly in the top corner to send the travelling Warriors into raptures of delight. The score remained at 0 – 1 for the Warriors and apart from the disappointment of losing Zadworny to two yellow cards, the performance will solidify the Warriors ahead of next week’s Derby against Geelong Rangers who will no doubt provide a strong contest.
The Warriors womens team were the recipient of a 3 –0 walkover as Melton have withdrawn from competition. A good outcome for the girls as they need points now to avoid the drop into Div 3. However there’s still plenty of football left to play and every game needs to bring home points.
Our Under 15 A playing in the FFV were held to a 1 – 1 result by Sydenham. They still find themselves on top of the ladder with plenty of work to do to maintain that position. GRFA with a game in hand are hot on their trail.
The under 11s who play in the FFV division had a great 3 –0 win over Sunshine Georgies to keep their push for top spot alive and only one game separates 4 teams in their group. Well done to all our juniors who are performing well, it is a testament to the coaches and parent helpers who dedicate themselves to providing an excellent set up for children to develop in the game. As well as the children who are eager to learn the finer points of football.
