It is not panic stations by any means, but there is a slight vulnerability about Hoppers Crossing’s hold on top spot in Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 3 north-west.
The Reds entered the weekend hoping to slam the door shut on challengers, but that door is now well and truly ajar with three nervous rounds to go.
They had their lead at the top trimmed from seven points to four after Saturday’s disappointing 2-0 loss to La Trobe University at Grange Reserve.
Second-placed Altona City showed its never-say-die attitude with a 5-2 trouncing of Brunswick Zebras on Friday night – which might have been enough to send a shiver up the Reds’ spine.
But one bad week is not enough to undo the Reds’ work in the prior 18 weeks, and it would still be a major surprise if they were to let go of a title that’s undoubtedly theirs to lose.
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The Reds will be looking to regroup when they hit the road to face Geelong Rangers at Myers Reserve on Saturday. In state league 4, Truganina Hornets are again looking over their shoulder after a 4-3 loss to Laverton Park at Arndell Park Reserve.
It’s the second time this season the Hornets have been upset by the bottom-of-the-ladder Laverton.
The Hornets are two points above the relegation zone with a daunting trip to title contender Bell Park on Saturday.
Point Cook was shocked 2-1 by second-last Keilor Wolves at Saltwater Reserve, which surely rules the jets out of the title race.
They will face top-ranked Brimbank Stallions on Saturday and are six points behind the Stallions, Sebastopol Vikings and Maribyrnong Greens.
