By JOSIP ZILIC
North Geelong Warriors has suffered its fourth consecutive defeat with a 0-1 loss to National Premier League Victorian leader Avondale Heights.
The Warriors had the opening chances early when Robert Zadworny unsuccessfully shot from range in the fifth minute, Reha Kurul sent a header over the bar and Nathan Long’s missed another soon after.
The Warriors began showing frustration at unfavourable referee decisions and rushing their play, causing quick turnovers that put the defence under pressure.
Avondale capitalised in the 26th minute when Darren Lewis and Kurul missed an opportunity to clear the lines, allowing Oleg Krapkho to get on the end of the ball and slot it past Daniel Zilic in goal.
The Warriors continued playing at speed after the break, which took its toll.
In the 65th minute Michael Boyar, who appeared to be labouring through midfield, was replaced with Nikola Jurkovic, determined to make an impact off the bench.
In the 75th minute Jurkovic was at the centre of attention when he drew the frustration of Avondale’s Michele Crazia who knocked over the Warriors player on the edge of the box, earning a yellow card. However, the resulting set piece was driven wide off the mark.
In the closing frantic stages the Warriors had a penalty waved away when Mark Paleka and Zoran Pajic ran together for a loose ball in the box. Paleka went down but failed to convince the referee.
The visitors held on, cementing top spot and drawing their coach’s praise for holding out North Geelong’s forays into attacks.
Warriors captain Matt Townley described his side’s performance as impatient.
“We’re putting too much pressure on ourselves and the frustration shows when the goals don’t come.”
North Geelong takes on Whittlesea Ranges away this Saturday when the Warriors face off against former coach Vinko Buljubasic.
Both sides have had similar starts to the season, offering glimpses of what they can do when on song but also allowing moments of lost concentration to creep in and undo their good work.
