By JARROD POTTER
NPL 2 EAST – ROUND 20
An ugly win is still worth three points as Dandenong City graciously accepted following a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over Goulburn Valley Suns.
The first half showed none of the finesse, determination or breakthrough speed that City has showcased this NPL 2 season as the Suns shone through.
They opened the accounts late in the first half and only through the hard-work of back trio Halil Gur, John Carroll and keeper Damir Salcin did the margin stay 0-1 from there on.
Even after half-time the City effort didn’t click into place.
When coach Aaron Healey switched the side around and made a few structural amendments though, the Dandy boys flourished.
Ross Frame and Amir Osmancevic started to trouble the Suns’ last line with a number of captivating runs and attempts on goal before the renaissance began in earnest.
The skipper Carroll (77’) got on the end of a well-weighted spot kick to head home the equaliser before Gonzalo Freddi’s beguiling run up the left could only be stopped by a Suns’ foul in the box.
Dario Matkovic (82’) had no problem slotting the ensuing penalty and the party truly began in the dying seconds as Keegan Ziada flicked a pass across to David Morovic (92’) to boot the third and escape with the points.
“I think we won ugly today but we found a way to win which was important,” Healey said. “We played better at times and have not won, but it was great to see when we scored that equaliser that it was only us who were having a crack at the game.
“I think probably the last three weeks we’ve played good football and particularly last week – had a great first half and came in one-nil down at half-time.
“This week I don’t think we played well in the first half – second to everything, really poor performance in the first half – and had a mountain to climb.”
Healey puts it down to City’s hard-work in the last half-hour that particularly sealed the Suns’ fate.
“The work rate – we didn’t have that in the first half,” Healey said. “We knew they’d come here and they work hard for each other, they’re an aggressive side and disciplined side and we wanted to match that and failed in the first half but did it in the second half.
“In the last 20-25 minutes we were able to take control.”
After an impressive 7-2-1 record from its last 10 games, City pride is at all-time highs as the side still holds out hope for NPL promotion heading into the last nine clashes of the season, starting against Brunswick City on Saturday at home.
Dandenong City received no favours in its bid for NPL promotion off cross-town rivals Springvale White Eagles, as the hosts fell to second ranked Kingston City 2-3 despite goals to Dejan Erakovic (50’) and Damir Stoilovic (55’).
Dandenong Thunder had no trouble thumping Murray United 5-0 on the back of a Brandon Barnes (6’ 85’ and 92’) hat-trick and brace to up-and-coming striker Godwill Benjamin (4’ and 28’).
Springvale White Eagles travel to Eastern Lions and Thunder is at home to Box Hill United in round 21.
In the state leagues, South Springvale lost away 0-1 to Mornington, Doveton SC lost 0-1 to Old Scotch.
The wins came from Dandenong South and Endeavour United, which both booted five in wins over East Brighton United and Lyndale United respectively. Hampton Park United Sparrows succumbed 2-5 to Bayside Argonauts, Springvale City drew 2-2 with Skye United while White Star Dandenong defeated Old Mentonians 4-3.
