By Josip Zilic
NORTH Geelong Warriors sealed its National Premier League promotion with a 1-0 victory over St Albans last Saturday courtesy a Mark Paleka goal at the 78th minute.
Jubilation swamped the Warriors’ home ground as the fans and playing staff began setting their sights on the challenges of taking on league heavyweights Green Gully, South Melbourne and Melbourne Knights in 2015.
The match was a tense battle in which both sides had their keepers to thank for keeping them in the game.
Daniel Zilic pulled off a fine low-reflex save from a Nicholas Cullen attempt in the sixth minute and moments later it was Stuart Webster’s turn when he parried past his left post from a Robert Zadworny over-the-shoulder snap.
In the 31st minute Webster almost undid his good early work when he misjudged a long ball, which Juso Julardzija reached first only to lose control of it in the sandy penalty area.
Little changed in the second half as both sides played tentatively to take a grip of the game.
The Warriors looked to be making ground as a late challenge by Michael Grgic almost went against the grain until Adam Nakic curled the free kick just shy of the post.
The Warriors strung moves together as the large home crowd urged them on.
The year’s regular hero answered the call when Reardo Luka headed a goal kick back toward the goal area and Paleka out-muscled his opponent to slot the finish in cool fashion.
The Warriors almost had a second goal moments later when Michael Anderson received a dangerous ball from Zadworny and tried to chip Webster who managed to tip over the bar.
At the final whistle the big home crowd celebrated with gusto, belting out the club song with their team.
North Geelong coach Micky Colina was almost lost for words after the match.
“It hasn’t sunk in just yet. Returning to top flight football is massive for us and the region,” he said.
“I hope everyone embraces this opportunity to get behind the club and support it.”
St Albans stand-in coach Ryan McGuffie refused to use the disruption of losing the side’s head coach during the week as an excuse.
“Football is a funny game. You’ve just got to move on quickly,” McGuffie said.
North Geelong now faces Richmond away this week before closing the year out at home on 28 September against Brunswick.
With the right results the Warriors could still win the NPL1 title, with North Geelong ahead of Avondale on goal difference but six points behind.
