It was not a masterpiece for Point Cook fans to marvel at, but Saturday’s 3-2 win over rivals Truganina Hornets in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 4 west local derby at Arndell Park Reserve was hugely effective.
Not only did the Jets take out bragging rights over their neighbours, they obtained a crucial three points from a game that looked destined for a draw late on.
Jets coach Craig Filer was thrilled with the result as it keeps his second-placed side within two points of ladder leader Sebastopol Vikings.
“It wasn’t one of the best games we’ve played all season, but we’ll take the three points,” Filer said.
“Truganina are playing their hearts out, they’ve got a big seven games ahead to stay in the league, and I said to [Truganina coach] Serge [Lunedei] after the game, they’re not a bottom two side, there’s worse sides in the league.
“They put up a good performance and made life difficult for us, but we got the win.
“Three points is three points at this stage of the season and it doesn’t really matter how they come as long as they come.”
Point Cook was the dominant side in the first half.
The Jets scored twice to lead 2-1 at half-time, but should have been out of sight with a number of other gilt-edged chances either missed or saved.
Standing in the way of the Jets was Truganina goalkeeper Dylan Tiatto, who made save after save to keep the underdog Hornets in the game.
“To be fair to their goalkeeper, he pulled off some fantastic world class saves today,” Filer said.
“On a different day, with a different goalkeeper, it would’ve been a different story.”
A one goal lead was never comfortable for Point Cook.
Filer warned his players at the break to expect Truganina to come hard at them in the second half.
On cue, Truganina’s Zac Busuttil produced a wonder goal, equalising with a bicycle kick.
“If you don’t take your chances in the first half, you’re just going to put yourself under pressure,” Filer said.
“I said to the guys, the first five minutes they’re going to come at us and it’s exactly what happened and they scored the equaliser.”
It took Point Cook until the 85th minute to get its match-winning goal.
Striker Zac Osborne hit the back of the net with a header from a cross delivered by Jonny Dunn. It was a big goal for Osborne, ending a mini scoring slump for the Jets leading scorer.
“He’s had a bit of a lean time in front of goal,” Filer said. “He’s been working really hard, but the chances are just not coming.”
Point Cook will host Golden Plains at Saltwater Reserve on Saturday.
The Jets will be striving for three more points to get them another step closer to their goal.
“Collectively, we’re very strong, we’re very together, we’ve got a united group of players that have the one goal and that’s to get the club promoted,” Filer said.
