By JARROD POTTER
THUNDER struck their fourth win on the trot – snaring a 1-0 win over Oakleigh Cannons in the VPL grand final rematch.
Dandenong pushed all night – testing the Cannons on the edges as Nick Epifano and Feston Azizi displayed a talent you’d expect of a 100-game veteran – not a pair of youngsters just making their mark in the league.
Oakleigh Cannons keeper Lewis Italiano performed admirably – stopping at least a half dozen solid Thunder chances.In the end, the Cannons’ defence couldn’t hold back Foster – as he slipped by two in the 58th minute and forced Italiano to dive at the striker’s feet, taking out his ankles and conceding a penalty in the process.
Bryan Bran didn’t miss from the spot, leaving all the hard yards for Oakleigh to traverse as the rain made life tricky for both sides and inevitably quashed their chances of a comeback.
Matt Theodore was subbed on in the 73rd minute and didn’t disappoint, linking up a few chances and showcasing his speed, which hasn’t diminished since being sidelined.
Taylor was pleased to claim the win,
“Just happy with three points,” Taylor said.
“Just pleased that we got the result, to be honest I think we played well early and could’ve been two or three goals up – as our football in the first 20-30 minutes was as good as I’ve seen in the premier league.
Liam Kearney and the captain Shane Rexhepi were surprisingly only substituted on in the dying minutes – with coach Chris Taylor keeping a winning team on the park, unwilling to tinker with his line-up that is gaining traction.
“It’s not a thing you set out to do, but you’ve got to reward the boys out there playing well,” Taylor said.
“Epifano and Feston Azizi had wonderful games tonight and they’re the ones keeping these boys out of the side – the future looks good for the club.”
Tides are turning on the horror post-match outcomes of the grand final, with the Thunder sitting comfortably in fifth place and set to play their last match behind locked gates this Saturday against Pascoe Vale.
