Hoppers Crossing began life in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 1 with a defeat on Saturday.
The newly promoted Reds were given a 1-0 inauguration wedgie by Sydenham Park on their home pitch at Grange Reserve. It was Sydenham Park veteran Koce Delev who scored the decisive goal of the game late in the second half.
The Reds had their chances to hit the back of the net and were the more proactive team before half-time, but Sydenham Park eventually wore them down with many second half chances before Delev settled the game.
Hoppers Crossing will click back into FFA Cup mode on Easter Saturday when it plays local side Point Cook in a fourth round tie. The Reds next league game will be away to Western Suburbs on April 8.
Point Cook, also a newly promoted side, made an impressive start in state league 3 with a 2-1 victory away to La Trobe University. The Jets next league game will be their home opener against Moreland United on April 7.
It was a big weekend for West Point, who debuted in state league 5, thrashing Melbourne Lions 5-1.
