NPL: Slow start costs Werribee City against Pascoe Vale

Werribee City collected just one point from its home clash with Pascoe Vale in the National Premier League on Sunday.

The hosts took longer to find their touch, giving Pascoe Vale the perfect opportunity to hit the scoreboard.

Just six minutes in, Jonathan Voulgaris put the away team in front when he sent the ball into the back of the net.

City struggled following the early concession, and Pascoe Vale had chances to go further ahead.

But after several crucial saves from Werribee keeper Tommy Dunn, City started to have an impact at the attacking end and soon found an equaliser. Josh Groenewald did the damage, putting a header into the goal to tie the score at the 49-minute mark.

Both sides had their chances to break the deadlock in the next 25 minutes, but neither was able to turn a half chance into a goal.

Despite Werribee losing Daniel Petrov to a red card, a late penalty in the 94th minute looked as if it was going to hand City the win But Milan Savic’s kick missed everything and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

In other results, Hoppers Crossing continued its domination of the State League 4 competition with a 4-1 win. Maribyrnong Greens SC became the sixth side to lose to the Reds this season. Zia Sherzai scored a double for Hoppers, while Brian Chesson and Marc Barbieri each kicked a goal.

The Reds are three points clear on top of the table, with an impressive goal difference of 15.

Also in State League 4, Point Cook fell to a 0-1 loss to Altona North SC. David Dennerley scored the winner for Altona North, dropping Point Cook to seventh on the table.