Werribee City has missed out on a chance to break into the National Premier League 2 west soccer upper echelon.
Starting the weekend in fourth spot, the Bees had their sights set on joining the three breakaway teams at or near the top of the table.
But the Bees failed in their quest to bridge the gap, losing 1-0 to North Geelong Warriors on the road at Elcho Park on Saturday.
A goal from the penalty spot through Darius Madison in the 73rd minute secured all three points for the Warriors.
The Bees were not helped by going down to 10 men in the 37th minute after Samuel McCall was given a red card for a crude tackle.
The result sent Werribee City tumbling to mid-table sixth, with even more ground to make up on the leading teams. Despite the opportunity lost, the Sergio Sabbadini-coached Bees have been showing promise. They have won three of their past five matches and the two losses in that time have come by narrow one-goal margins.
If Werribee City wants to remain in the promotion hunt, it will need to keep up that positive form.
The Bees have a tough assignment this Saturday, travelling to play east conference team Eastern Lions at Gardiners Creek Reserve in Burwood.
In men’s state league 1, Hoppers Crossing had a disappointing 2-1 home loss to Clifton Hill at Grange Reserve. Jason Hayne scored for the Reds, but it was not enough.
It leaves the Reds way down in third-last spot on the ladder and facing a tough clash with second-placed North Sunshine Eagles away at Larissa Reserve this Saturday.
In men’s state league 3, Point Cook had a solid result on the road, drawing 0-0 with second-placed Upfield at Gibb Reserve.
In men’s state league 4, Truganina Hornets are starting to look shaky, having gone four weeks without a win and losing two straight.
The Hornets went down 3-1 to Balmoral at Balmoral Park on Saturday night.
In men’s state league 5, West Point was far too good for Kensington City, triumphing 4-0.
In women’s state league 2, Hoppers Crossing’s stellar form continued with a fifth straight win.
The Reds kept a fourth clean sheet in a row in Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Ballarat Eureka Strikers. Julia Budiongo-Batota and Mya Moran struck goals for the Reds in the second half to keep the winning streak alive.
