By JOSIP FILIC
The scene is set for round two NPL action between North Geelong and Werribee this Saturday at Elcho Park.
Their last encounter was the final round of 2015 where the Warriors came away from the tense encounter 2-0 to earn a relegation playoff against Melbourne Victory Youth.
Last week Werribee blew a 3-1 lead against Whittlesea to come away with a 3-3 draw where Whittlesea managed to nudge in a 95th minute leveller.
North Geelong, however, came from behind for a 1-1 draw at St Albans in a solid display against a tough opponent.
St Albans started the match with swift counter attacking and had two early chances to Joseph Monek and Teddy Yabio denied by solid keeping from Daniel Zilic.
The Warriors midfield wasn’t able to control proceedings until after 30 minutes and when they did they combined to release Nicholas Jurcic through on goal but the flanker was dubiously adjudged offside on his way to goal.
In the second half the Warriors took control with Simms and Cichello controlling the tempo, offering wingers Rudi Saglam and Jurcic openings, but their efforts as well as a gilt edged one to striker Gareth Richards were thwarted by a tight Saints defence.
Michael Anderson came on with 20 minutes left and created space for his weaving runs, however it was one of those runs that led to goal for St Albans.
Anderson lost possession in attack to Andrew Milicevic who found Monek via a long through ball beating Zilic in the process to finish for the lead.
The Warriors struck back quickly, Jurcic continuing his good form summoned the ball wide on the left from Matt Thorne and charged into the box where he was up ended for a penalty by the Saints keeper Alex Baird.
Skipper Matt Townley stepped up and converted to level the scores.
The final minutes saw both sides threatening a late winner however it didn’t eventuate and a point each was a fair outcome.
Coach Micky Colina was satisfied with his side’s effort and now looks forward to the first home match against Werribee on Saturday.
