With the eyes of the league fixed on them, the pressure was on for Hoppers Crossing to make best use of a crucial Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 2 north-west catch-up round.
The third-placed Reds had the forces of the other promotion-chasing sides against them but stayed focused to avoid a potential banana peel and come away with a comfortable 2-0 win over Essendon United at JH Allan Reserve.
Reds coach Steve Iosifidis lauded the victory.
“Definitely a good result, especially when there were a few other clubs hoping for other results,” he said.
“I’ve never actually put the pressure on them before a big game, but I told the boys this is a must-win game. I told them the pressure is on and they rose to the occasion.
“It wasn’t an easy game. The conditions weren’t that great and the ground was pretty average, but it was a day they came up with the goods.”
Hoppers Crossing has closed the gap to within one point of the Royals – and the Reds are ready to strike in the event of any Royals slip-up.
There is still plenty of football ahead and the Reds can’t afford to worry about the fortunes of other teams.
The trip to Sunbury United on Saturday looks easy on paper with United down in second-last with just three wins in 13 games, but Iosifidis is not being fooled.
“Every game is a tough game and the pressure is on us every week,” he said.
“Where they’re sitting on the ladder makes no difference to us. I’m sure they’re going to lift. If we’re dead serious about promotion, we should be winning these types of games.”
Hoppers Crossing’s bid to beat Essendon United was assisted by an opponent. The Reds had pressed for the game’s opening goal only for it to come as an own goal.
“Lemo [Reds striker Liam McDermott] had a one-on-one with the keeper and almost got tackled in the box,” Iosifidis said.
“There was a defender running through and he accidently kicked the ball into the back of his net. It was actually a great finish in the top corner, so we had to thank him for it.”
Hoppers Crossing got a deserved insurance goal though a long strike by Michael Kitanovski. The ball fell nicely to him outside the box and he drove it home.
“He was waiting patiently on the outer,” Iosifidis said.
“He’s had a few reserves games and been doing really well, so it was good to see him cap his game off with a nice goal.”
Goalkeeper Kieron Sharratt kept another clean sheet for Hoppers Crossing.
Conceding a goal a game on average, the Reds are the second-most-stingy side in the division, and a lot of it has to do with the impact of the Welshman between the sticks.
“He’s been consistent since he’s been at the club,” Iosifidis said.
Sharratt was a lucky signing for Hoppers Crossing last year, fitting seamlessly into a promotion-winning team.
In National Premier League, Werribee City played out a 1-1 draw with North Geelong Warriors at Galvin Park on Sunday.
Jonathan Voulgaris scored a timely equaliser in the 87th minute to secure a point for the Bees.
Werribee City will face Moreland City under lights at CB Smith Reserve on Friday night.
