Tara Murray
West Point will have to earn promotion the hard way after a disappointing final day of the regular FV state league 5 west season.
West Point entered the final round in third spot on the same amount of points as second placed Melton Phoenix, its final round opponent.
Balmoral had already secured the title and promotion, but the second promotion spot was up for grabs.
The loser of the Melton and West Point match would still have a chance to earn promotion, but it would come through a play off match.
The Phoenix, which had hit some strong form of late, proved too strong winning 4-2. Marcus Sherif and Dawit Melesse were the goal scorers for West Point.
Speaking on West Point social media after the game, coach Tom Petreski said it was a high quality game against a good opponent.
“We were 1-0 up,” he said. “It was pretty good. Overall the game was of the highest quality. Look at the teams at this level, West Point and Melton are right up there.
“It was a fierce, tough, fair encounter of a really good quality.
“Credit to Melton.”
Petreski said the result was disappointing knowing what was at risk if they had come away with the three points.
“The build up was exciting, the experience was exhilarating, but the final result we fell short, losing 4-2.
“We’re pretty disappointed, but in saying that it’s definitely not over.
“We have a play off game next week. The job is to regroup and go again.”
Petreski said they had done all the hard work during the season, so they know what they have to do in the play off.
West Point faces Truganina Hornets, which finished third last in state league 4 west, in the play off.
The Hornets finished its season with a 4-2 loss to Barnstoneworth United.
Meanwhile, Tarneit United finished its season with a 4-2 loss to ETA Buffalo Club of Victoria, while Wyndham had the bye.
In state league 2, Hoppers Crossing avoided relegation with a 2-1 win against Altona North.
