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THUNDER kept its hopes of a finals berth alive with a 1-0 win over Hume City.
Needing to win from here on out to avoid elimination from the finals picture – Dandenong hit ahead via Sean McIlroy against the fourth seed in the Victorian Premier League, a margin that proved enough by the end of regulation to clinch the three points.
McIlroy found himself starting up front, instead of Canadian super-striker Nate Foster, but the gamble from coach Stuart Munro became a masterstroke soon after half time.
McIlroy got free inside the box and latched onto a Keegan Zaida header to push the Thunder ahead.
The Thunder held on for the victory, despite a few last ditch attempts by Hume to level the scoreboard.
Dandenong sits ninth in the VPL and dukes it out on Friday night to stay in touch with the top eight when the Thunder hosts their 2012 VPL grand final opponents Oakleigh Cannons at George Andrews Reserve from 8.30pm.
In other FFV results, Dandenong City and Springvale White Eagles hold onto top billing in State League 2 South East with a 3-1 win over Kingston City and a 2-2 draw at home to Morwell Pegasus respectively, while South Springvale stayed in touch with a 3-1 win over Langwarrin. Noble Park United drew with Diamond Valley United 1-1.
