By JOSIP ZILIC
THE BATTLE to avoid relegation is getting more intense every week for the North Geelong Warriors and this week is no different.
On Friday night the Warriors are away to resilient Pascoe Vale which is undefeated in four weeks.
Pascoe Vale overcame Oakleigh last week with a 2-1 win despite going down on the 30 minute mark. Pascoe Vale dug in and responded well with a quick return five minutes later then sealing the match shortly after half time.
The Warriors on the other hand were left with no points after working tirelessly to deserve at least a point in their clash with Hume City.
In the first 10 minutes North Geelong had flankers Yusuf Yusuf and Michael Anderson spurn gilt edged chances with only the keeper to beat.
They were made to pay as Hume – its only real chance of the match – with a well-weighted long ball stretching the Warriors defence found Theo Markelis, who dispatched it under Daniel Zilic in goal.
North Geelong maintained its pressure in the second half and was harshly done by when a brilliant ball from Reardo Luka curved in front of the 18 yard box for Gareth Richards to climb and head solidly into the top corner only for the linesman to call him offside.
With 30 minutes to go coach Micky Colina summoned Mark Paleka who returned from injury for his first appearance since Round 8.
Paleka’s influence and attack on the ball was felt by not only his opponents but also the supporters urging him on to get onto a winner.
Despite the lift he gave them the Warriors were unable to find the one that counted and left to rue the chances gone begging.
The Warriors record against Pascoe Vale this year has seen them exchange 11 goals between them with a 4-3 win to Pascoe Vale followed by a 3-1 win to North Geelong in the FFA Cup.
The Warriors will need to recall what it took in that last encounter to restore their belief that they can fight their way out of the bottom zone.
