Werribee City coach Sergio Sabbadini had no hesitation labelling Saturday’s 4-2 win over Moreland Zebras as “by far” his side’s best win of the National Premier League 2 west season.
The Bees produced a brand of football to be proud of, dictating proceedings for most of the 90 minutes at CB Smith Reserve and securing a memorable away win at a tough venue against a side that began the round three spots and six points above them on the ladder.
“It was a great win,” Sabbadini said. “We set up to exploit their weaknesses and it worked perfectly. We had 11 good players, so it was fantastic.”
Werribee City introduced new signing Jake Butler with immediate impact. Butler, a one-time Kiwi international who has played professionally in New Zealand and Singapore, fitted in nicely on limited preparation.
He was a commanding force in the middle of the park, dictating the tempo of the game, and scored the game’s opening goal after 12 minutes.
Jay Kelly doubled Werribee City’s lead in the 33rd minute and Carlin Feely made it 3-0 on 70 minutes.
Then came a few heart palpitations for the Werribee City faithful when Moreland scored twice in the space of four minutes.
The second goal prompted a change in thinking from the Bees.
“We basically controlled the game apart from about four minutes when they scored two goals,” Sabbadini said.
“They scored one goal against the run of play, so we thought that we won’t change anything.
“Then they scored the second goal, which was another weird sort of a goal, so we decided to put the shutters up and close the game down.”
With Werribee City in lockdown and the Moreland players trying their utmost to find an equaliser, the hosts were exposed at the back.
Trevor Ssemakula took full advantage to score on the break for the Bees and put the game to bed.
Butler was the standout for Werribee City in the midfield. Cameron Davies was resolute in defence and George Slefendorfas provided spark up front.
Back-to-back wins have Werribee City back in the promotion mix. The Bees will host Langwarrin in a crucial game at Galvin Park this Sunday from 3pm.
Hoppers Crossing sunk to the bottom of the men’s state league 1 ladder after a 2-0 loss to Sydenham Park.
Point Cook enjoyed a 5-0 win over La Trobe University in men’s state league 3, with Jonathan Dunn scoring a double. Truganina Hornets belted Melbourne City 8-1 in men’s state league 4. West Point went down 2-1 to Westside Strikers Caroline Springs in men’s state league 5.
Hoppers Crossing is firm favourite for the women’s state league 2 title because of results such as its 7-0 trouncing of Melbourne University. Three Reds players – Julia Budiongo-Batota, Mya Moran and Debra Taylor – scored two goals each.
Point Cook was on the wrong end of a 8-0 scoreline against top-of-the-ladder Hume City in women’s state league 3.
