Werribee City could only replicate its promising pre-season form in bite-sized chunks during Saturday’s uninspiring 1-1 draw with Moreland City.
Bees coach Sergio Sabbadini returned home irritated by the “sub-standard” playing surface at Campbell Reseve for the National Premier league 2 west season opener in Coburg. He was upset, too, by his team’s inability to adapt to the conditions before it was too late to secure all three points.
“It was terrible,” said Sabbadini of the pitch. “The grass was long, it was bumpy, it was loose in parts because they’ve just laid a new surface.
“It wasn’t fit to play a game of football on and we didn’t adapt.
“It became a game of kick ball … the ball was probably out of play more than it was in play.
“We knew it was going to be like that and prepared accordingly, but it took us until the 60th minute to realise what had to happen.”
By that stage, Moreland City had a one-goal advantage.
While Sabbadini was getting more and more frustrated, he had seen enough in the lead-up friendly matches to know it was not in his side’s nature to just roll over and accept defeat.
The Bees came home strongly and could have pinched all three points on another day.
“We showed a bit of character in the last half an hour to muscle out at least a draw,” Sabbadini said.
“I know the players were disappointed because I could see it in their faces after the game. They really wanted to win and get the season off to a good start.
“They set pretty high standards. They wanted to win, but it was a draw. We’ll take it and move on – that’s all you can do.”
Jonathan Voulgaris scored the equalising goal for Werribee City.
Voulgaris also did the lead up work, drawing a free kick on the left side of the penalty box.
Rob Naumoski stepped up to curl the dead ball into the penalty area and connected with Voulgaris, who headed the ball home.
More chances would come for Werribee City with the best falling to Darcey Den Ouden, who failed to convert a one-on-one chance.
Voulgaris had a number of long range attempts denied.
Bees substitutes Maselas Lian Bawi Thang and Ben Mammone were lively off the bench and crucial in the comeback.
Voulgaris, Aki Machiyama and Brad Murray were the Bees’ most consistent across the 90 minutes.
Werribee City will return to the pristine conditions at Galvin Park on Saturday evening for its home opener against Brunswick City, with the kick-off at 5pm.
