An inexplicable defensive set-piece blunder consigned Werribee City to a 2-1 defeat to Dandenong Thunder in its opening match of the NPL Victoria season at Galvin Park on Sunday.
With scores locked at one apiece early in the second half, the Thunder’s Michael Gerace delivered a free kick from a threatening position, low and hard into the box, that found its way into the back of the net untouched.
The Bees defenders were solely focused on their individual opponents and forgot about the ball, while goalkeeper Frano Saric misjudged the trajectory before it crossed the line.
Bees assistant coach Agim Sherifovski said the basic rules of defending were forgotten.
“No one really took the initiative to get a head on to the ball or to get any contact,” he said.
“Everyone pretty much charged the keeper and left the ball on its own.
“The basic rules – make contact with the ball and get a clearance – would’ve gone well there.”
The players of both sides put on a good show despite extreme conditions. Stifling heat was followed by storms and humidity.
The Bees came out of the second-half drinks break in search of an equaliser and thought they might have found it in stoppage time through Bobby Vidanovski, but his shot was fired over the crossbar.
“It should’ve really been put away,” Sherifovski said.
There were some positives for the Bees. Josh Jokic reaped rewards for his hard work on the training track in recent weeks to score on debut.
Jokic, who recently played in the US college system, has found a new home with the Bees.
“He’s an excellent pick-up,” Sherifovski said.
“He tucked in behind the striker today – his job is to link up, he’s got good technique and he’s nimble.
“He’s been training very well, always works hard and I think the goal would’ve done a bit for his confidence.”
Former Socceroo Simon Colosimo made his much-anticipated Bees debut, producing a solid performance in defence.
Arturo Ymeri, a boom recruit from Avondale, and Daniel Chaabani were the other stand-outs.
For all of the positives, the match hinged on one crucial moment.
“It’s disappointing not to come away with something,” Sherifovski said.
The Bees will play first-round winner Heidelberg United in a tough game at Galvin Park on Sunday.
FFA Cup
Truganina Hornets advanced to the second round after a 6-1 win over Marcellin Old Collegians at Arndell Park Reserve on Saturday night, while Hoppers Crossing had a 3-0 win over Newmarket Phoenix.
