By JOSIP ZILIC
WITH two wins in a row for the first time this season, North Geelong Warriors is preparing for the fight of its life in the NPL.
Opponent Oakleigh Cannons is hard to read but down on form from its midyear resurgence. Oakleigh’s frustrating patch yielded just two points from the last five matches.
But the Cannons have still shown what their capability with wins against South Melbourne and Melbourne Knights.
North Geelong’s recent run featured a disciplined midfield and a stable defence. The consequent increase in confidence has increased scoring opportunities, which were amiss earlier in the season.
In Saturday’s 1-0 win over Northcote the Warriors took command of the midfield, with Vito Cichello orchestrating the home side’s moves.
Other than a 15-minute patch in the first half when the visitors almost stole a goal through a mix up between Michael Grgic and Daniel Zilic in goals, allowing Calvin Mbarga to slip in and knock the ball just wide, the rest of the match was in the Warriors’ hands.
As soon as the Warriors found their rhythm they turned possession into chances, most notably Mark Paleka’s driving shot at the near post, which Christopher Theodoridis finger-tipped away.
Moments later Reardo Luka tore past his opponent to drive a low, hard shot into the goal. The ball ricocheted a couple of times but failed to escape the keeper’s grip.
The pressure continued from the home side in the second half. Michael Anderson was on the end of a Chichello move at the 72nd minute, pushing Juso Julardzija past two players before he opened it up for Anderson to slot neatly and give the Warriors their second win in as many weeks.
Coach Micky Colina was delighted but still wary of the mission ahead.
“I’m happy for the lads, they got what they deserved,” he said.
“We’ve ticked off a couple of wins but we know what awaits us and we need to fight for our survival.”
The Warriors play Oakleigh on Sunday at Jack Edwards Reserve, Oakleigh. Kick-off is at 5:45pm.
