By Josip Zilic
NORTH Geelong Warriors will seek to re-enter the winners’ circle with a home match at Lara’s Elcho Park this Saturday.
The Warriors lost their last match in National Premier League Victorian football competition to Kingston City but faces a Bendigo side also seeking redemption after a 1-4 loss to Richmond last round.
The Kingston match last Saturday was the Warrior’s second loss of the season.
The match swung predominately in North Geelong’s favour after the 15th minute when young winger Nicholas Jurcic ran the length of the field to receive the ball back on the edge of the box, forcing Kingston keeper George Malliaris into a fine save.
With the momentum in its favour, North Geelong continued to pepper, with Robert Zadworny trying to chip Malliaris followed by Mark Paleka driving a shot to stretch the Kingston keeper into another fine save.
Paleka, a consistent threat to Kingston all afternoon, pursued his chances in the second half as he sought to break the deadlock. One of his shots deflected to a corner where he presented again to have his resulting shot from the set piece turned away by a sharp Kingston defence.
Around the 60-minute mark Kingston tearaway Arthur Papadopoulos broke through against the run of play, heading a goal in at the far post from a set piece.
The Warriors continued pressing further but only found woodwork.
North Geelon fell to 0-2 down late in the game, with Max Etherdige sealing the three points for Kingston.
Kingston coach Nick Tolios conceded his team had luck on its side but was still delighted with its ability to hold out the Warriors.
North Geelong coach Ante Skoko rued his side’s missed opportunities.
