By JOSIP ZILIC
NORTH Geelong Warriors faced FFA Cup semi-finalist Bentleigh Greens in Geelong’s opening NPL clash last Friday night at Kingston Heath Sport Complex, going down 2-0 in an exciting encounter.
The first half was played at frantic speed, with end-to-end action keeping both sides on their toes.
North Geelong had the earlier chances, Juso Julardzija having a chip shot from distance well-saved by Alistair Bray to deny the Warriors.
Vito Cichello then weaved his way into the box to create an open shot at goal only to slice it wide with his left foot.
Bentleigh began turning the screws and pressuring North Geelong’s one-touch midfield passes, turning the misdirected ones into attacks.
However, Warriors custodian Daniel Zilic thwarted shot after shot in what was a Bentleigh siege on goals to keep his side in the contest.
Eventually Zilic couldn’t keep the scores from opening and in the 37th minute Matt Thurtell was played into the box and slotted out of Zilic’s reach.
The second half was at a subdued pace, with both sides using build-up play to work their chances.
Julardzija and Mark Paleka both pressed the Bentleigh defence with chances narrowly missing.
North Geelong continued to weave its way into good positions but was unable to provide enough physical pressure on the Bentleigh defence to crack open the Warriors’ account.
Five minutes from full-time Michael Anderson went on a darting run, with his shot forcing a spill from Bray in goals and coming agonisingly close to going over the line.
The resulting action put the hopes of equalising out of the Warriors’ reach when Thurtell broke past the defensive line and screwed a ball back past Zilic for sub Jamie De’Abreu to slot in on the line.
The Warriors now face another title favourite, South Melbourne, tomorrow at Elcho Park, with under-20s action commencing 3pm.
South Melbourne is coming off a 1-0 opening-round win against Oakleigh Cannons.
