By Josip Zilic
North Geelong Warriors will seek to pick itself up after a 0-2 loss to Richmond last weekend and regain momentum for a top-two finish in National Premier League.
The Warriors will have their chance against an inconsistent Moreland away on Sunday.
Moreland had a 2-0 win against Bendigo in last week’s catch-up round.
Moreland can be frustrating to play, tending to score lightly but keeping its defence in check, which could trouble the Warriors’ attack.
North Geelong’s loss on the weekend ended an 11-game unbeaten streak and wiped away a chance to build a buffer on second place.
The Warriors were unable to make their early presence in front of goal count, with three clear chances going begging in the opening minutes.
The game seesawed with frenetic pace as the half drew to a close.
Richmond seized the opportunity with the last kick of the half when Hamlet Armenian pounced on a cutback pass from Tom Cahill in the box to take the lead.
Early in the second half Richmond was more resolute and first to the ball, making the Warriors midfield work hard in the rare warm weather.
With the wind in Richmond’s sails, Cahill managed another cutback pass at the 61st minute, finding Peter Sawan to drill home on the near post.
Soon after North Geelong playmaker Vito Cichello was substituted as he struggled with illness, with coach Micky Colina giving Stipe Trbuhovic a chance to get into the mix.
The Warriors provided a grandstand finish, picking themselves to string chances together and wrestle control of the game.
However, the efforts didn’t trouble the scoreboard.
Colina was pragmatic in defeat.
“We need to use this loss as motivation to wake us up, as they say. We live and learn and hopefully it will make us stronger for it.”
Richmond coach Rick Mensink gave a glowing assessment of his players.
“We were very confident (although) we’ve had some luck go against us in recent weeks.
“The players made a decision to not let it get to us and we got our reward.”
