By Lance Jenkinson
A piece of individual brilliance in attack from Liam McDermott and a courageous act from goalkeeper Kieron Sharratt helped secure a crucial point for Hoppers Crossing in Football Victoria men’s state league 2 north-west.
The Reds secured a 1-1 draw with Mill Park on the road at Findon Reserve on Saturday.
But not before they found themselves a goal down after just a minute.
But McDermott had a moment to savour later in the first half to ensure the top-of-the-ladder Reds would not go home empty-handed.
Reds coach Shaun Barbara described it as one of the best goals of the season.
“We were able to string two or three passes before we got the ball out wide to Liam on the right-hand side,” Barbara said.
“He got past a defender, came inside and then checked back around him … their keeper got caught off his line and came too near the front post.
“Liam chipped him and hit the furthest post and [it] went in.
“Sometimes the boys muck around and say it was a cross, but I genuinely believe he had his head up, saw the keeper and gave it a crack.
“Technically it was a great goal.”
Hoppers Crossing was on the back foot from the outset, conceding a sloppy goal soon after the start.
Mill Park goalkeeper Corey Walters caught the Reds’ defence napping, allowing striker Keegan Linderboom to swoop in to put the hosts in front.
“It was a silly little error from us,” Barbara said. “They were playing really direct, put a long ball over the top and we got caught out.”
In their first meeting back in April, the Reds were all over Mill Park in a 3-1 win.
PHOTO GALLERY: Mill Park vs Hoppers Crossing
Hoppers Crossing found Mill Park a much tougher nut to crack this time around.
“It was a difficult game to be honest,” Barbara said.
“They’re almost a completely different side from the last time we played them.
“It showed – they were a lot better.”
Barbara was impressed with how well his Hoppers Crossing players reacted to going down a goal.
Shuhei Hasegawa was instrumental in an attacking sense for the Reds, while Andre Ruiz steadied the side at the back.
The big moment of the match came with 15 minutes to go when Hoppers Crossing goalkeeper Sharratt was caught in a one-on-one situation.
Sharratt came to the Reds’ rescue, pulling off a brave save, but it came with its consequences.
“The striker followed through and whacked him with his knee in his face,” Barbara said. “We think he might’ve broken his cheekbone.
“It was pretty bad, but typical Kieron, he didn’t want to get substituted, wouldn’t come off with his cheekbone almost concaved.
“He finished off the game and that 15-minute period was when they had more chances and he was rock solid still.”
Hoppers Crossing remains three points clear on top of the ladder, though second-placed Corio has a game up its sleeve.
The Reds will host cellar dweller Altona East Phoenix at Grange Reserve on Saturday.
In National Premier League 2 west, Werribee City has moved to top spot outright with six rounds to go.
The Bees moved a point clear after a 2-1 victory over Moreland City at Galvin Park on Saturday.
Jake Butler was the hero for the Bees, securing a come-from-behind victory with two goals in four minutes late in the second half.
The Bees will host fifth-placed North Geelong Warriors in what shapes up to be a cracker at Galvin Park on Saturday.
In women’s state league 4, Point Cook went on a goal-scoring rampage in a 7-0 thrashing of Sunbury United at Langama Park.
Melissa Naumovska scored a hat-trick for the Jets, taking her season tally to 19.
MORE FFV NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/yarraville-glory-hunts-for-solid-finish/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/mill-park-on-the-right-track/
