A jaw-dropping last-minute goal by striker Liam McDermott put a spectacular exclamation mark on Hoppers Crossing’s 2-1 heist over Altona City in the top-of-the-table showdown in Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 3 north-west on Saturday.
With the game at Grange Reserve heading for a draw – which would have been a fair result in the minds of Reds coach Steve Iosifidis and City counterpart Sam Borg – the dipping wonder strike from McDermott from the edge of the penalty area unlocked all three points for the Reds.
It was a significant moment in the title race, putting the Reds in pole position, six points clear on top.
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Hoppers Crossing v Altona City
“It was an absolute ripper and it literally came at the death,” Iosifidis told Star Weekly.
“To be honest, it was pretty cruel on them and I said that to their coach after the game.
“It should’ve been a draw, to be fair, but I’ll take it, definitely.”
Altona City capitalised on its early possession and James Neighbour silenced the home fans with a headed goal from a corner.
City looked in control until one of its former players, John Little, equalised for the Reds midway through the first half.
The game turned into an arm wrestle either side of half-time with both sides having periods of dominance.
The Reds were happier to absorb pressure, play on the counterattack and use the long ball, while City stuck to its possession game to try to dictate the tempo.
The execution of both game plans cancelled each other out until McDermott’s late winner.
It was no masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but in a big-occasion game the Reds were content to come away with the three points no matter how the outcome was achieved.
“It was first versus second but, regardless of where you’re positioned on the ladder, it was a bit of local rivalry,” Iosifidis said.
“We were playing for bragging rights at the end of the day. The boys stepped up. I’m proud of them and I let them know after the game.”
The Garbett twins, Matt in midfield and Dane at right back, were superb in their roles, while Ahmed Badawy was dangerous on the wing.
After conceding early, Reds goalkeeper Kieron Sharratt responded to every task asked of him to maintain the Reds’ league-best defensive record.
The Reds’ buffer at the top will be tested in a difficult away game against Whittlesea United on Saturday.
In the state league 4 north-west local derby, Point Cook had a resounding 4-0 win over Truganina Hornets at Saltwater Reserve, with goals from Chris Sutera, Alexander Kay, Joe Spiteri and Kyle Caruana.
In the NPL, Werribee City was on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline in its clash with Bentleigh Greens at Galvin Park on Sunday.
Robert Naumoski scored the Bees’ consolation goal from the penalty spot in the second half.
