Northern United folds under pressure

Tom Toma Northern United
Northern United’s Tom Toma tries to get away from an opponent. Photo: Damian Visentini

Northern United just couldn’t hold a rampant Fawkner in FFV state league north 4 on Saturday.

With both teams coming off a week’s rest, ladder leaders Fawkner took control at Anderson Park and led 3-1 at half-time before going on to win 6-2.

Damien Genovese scored a hat-trick for Fawkner, while Said Rhora and Robert Bazenski were on target for United.

Northern United remains in 10th spot.

Eleventh-placed Greenvale United shocked Plenty Valley Lions with a 2-2 draw to put itself a further point ahead of Meadow Park at the bottom.

Bundoora United beat Epping City 2-1, while Meadow Park lost 4-1 to Newmarket Phoenix.

In state league 2 north-west, there were contrasting results for Sporting Whittlesea and Hume United.

Sporting lost 3-0 to Essendon Royals to fall one place to fourth on the ladder.

Hume United is a further three points clear of the relegation zone with a 4-1 win against Melbourne University after leading 2-0 at half-time.

It is now seven points clear of the relegation zone.

In state league 3 north west, Upfield remains in touch with the leaders after a 2-1 win over Geelong Rangers.

Lalor United lost 2-0 to ladder leader Hoppers Crossing, while Whittlesea United won 4-1 against Western Eagles to sit in fourth spot on the ladder.

La Trobe University lost 4-1 to Altona City.

Hume City’s hot form continued with an upset 3-0 win over top-of-the-table Bentleigh Greens in the National Premier League.

A goal to Jai Ingram in the second minute put City ahead early, and although the Greens gained momentum as the game progressed, City held firm with goalkeeper Chris Oldfield making several important saves.

City got its second goal through a penalty at the 81st minute, before Nick Hegarty scored his second and his side’s third with almost the final kick.

City remains sixth on the ladder.

In NPL 1, Whittlesea Ranges lost 3-0 to Sunshine George Cross.

The Georgies looked the better of the two sides in the first half against a sluggish Ranges and led 2-0 after 30 minutes.

The Ranges looked to create more opportunities in the second half but could not take advantage of the extra possession and the Georgies continued to control the game.