By JOSIP ZILIC
NORTH Geelong Warriors will enter its round 17 clash against Melbourne Knights with renewed belief after grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Green Gully last week.
The Knights have had a roller coaster in terms of form since the season’s midway mark, with a draw, a win then a loss in their heaviest defeat last week, 4-1 to Oakleigh.
Regardless of off-field friendships between the two teams, Sunday’s match at Knights Stadium will be hotly contested.
The Warriors’ win against Green Gully in a scrappy affair was far from purist’s dream match but gave the local lads something to build their confidence and keep a clean sheet.
North Geelong started the match with some fluid moves as new signing Gareth Richards closed down defenders, forcing early mistakes.
The Warriors’ pressure brought on the opener when Reardo Luka received a ball courtesy of Green Gully’s inability to clear the lines and spun onto his right foot from the edge of the box to drill past the keeper.
Chances were few for either side in the first half amid numerous turnovers in attacking areas.
Yusuf Yusuf had two opportunities to bring more joy to the North Geelong faithful in the 52nd minute, needing only a tap-in from a Gareth Richard cross. But Yusuf put too much on it, hitting the bar and sending the ball back into play.
With the second half wearing out, Green Gully brought on Luc Jeggo to spark his side. He repeated Yusuf’s move in hitting the woodwork, initiating a big late charge from the visitors.
But North Geelong custodian Daniel Zilic denied the surge, stopping everything thrown at him. Zilic’s last-minute flying save allowed the Warriors to maintain their 1-0 lead and claim the win.
Coach Micky Colina said the Warriors showed “signs that we’re growing up” with the victory.
“We can use this to turn our fortunes around from here.”
