FFV: Hoppers Crossing Reds survival campaign takes hit

Hoppers Crossing suffered a shock 3-2 loss to Maribyrnong Greens
on the road at Skinner Reserve in the Football Federation Victoria men’s
state league 4 west catch-up round on Saturday.

The Reds needed just a point to make their survival official but
are now susceptible to relegation with two games to go, even though it
would take an unlikely turn of events for them to come under threat.

The second-last Greens would need to win both of their remaining
matches, make up six goals in goal difference and have the Reds lose
both games for Hopers Crossing’s future to involve relegation.

It was a disappointing day for the Reds, who could not capitalise on a double from attacking midfielder Kevin Smart.

The Reds will face Bell Park at Grange Reserve in their last home game for the season on Saturday.

Meanwhile, there will be some bonus mid-week action at the Reds’
Heaths Road venue when it is utilised by the FFV for a state league 3
catch-up game between North Sunshine Eagles and Geelong from 8.30pm.
Nearby, state league 5 west clubs Melton Phoenix and Melbourne Tornado
will battle it out in a make-up game at Arndell Park Reserve, also from
8.30pm.

The venues were chosen by the FFV for their lighting capacities.

In state league 5 at the weekend, Point Cook solidified its
promotion push with a 6-1 hammering of Greenvale United away at
Barrymore Road Reserve.

The news was not so good for the Truganina Hornets, who lost 4-2 to Melbourne Tornado.