Hume City went into its bag of tricks to come away with the three points against Bentleigh Greens in the National Premier League.
The only undefeated team after four rounds, Hume was pushed all the way by the Greens in the 1-0 win.
Hume coach Nick Hegarty said it was good to come away with the win against good opposition.
“It was a different game,” he said. “It was very pleasing to come away with the win.
“It was a good game with teams planning things, it was a strategic game.
“We were able to stand strong and produce a moment of quality to beat a good side.”
Hegarty said neither side really troubled the keepers in the first half, with his side making a few changes at half time.
Josh Bingham opened the scoring in the 64th minute to give Hume the advantage.
Hegarty said with Bentleigh continuing to attack and it wasn’t until the last 10 to 15 minutes they could go defensive and shut the game down.
He said they could have had a second goal, on a counter attack, but weren’t able to convert.
As well as getting the win, Hegarty was pleased to keep another clean sheet.
The win has Hume sitting on 15 points after five rounds. They are five points clear on top.
Hegarty said they couldn’t ask for much more. With the uncertainty surrounding the season, due to coronavirus, Hegarty said they were staying focussed on what they could do.
“It’s a credit to the lads and what they’ve put in since November,” he said.
“We spoke briefly about it [coronavirus] and for us it’s about performing to the best of our ability every time, whether it’s every week or we have a break.
“We don’t know what will happen and we can’t control those sort of things.”
Hume this week faces Eastern Lions, who sit second bottom after five rounds.
Hegarty said whoever they play will be a challenge.
Meanwhile, NPL3 side Whittlesea Ranges was in action on Sunday in the third round of the FFA Cup. They lost 4-2 to Nunawading City.
In other results, Hume United beat St Kilda 1-0 beat on Friday night.
Upfield suffered a 2-0 loss to Seaford United, while Mill Park is through to the next round after beating Shepparton South 1-0.
Lalor United beat Epping City 3-2 with the winner coming in extra time, while Plenty Valley Lions lost to Boroondara-Carey Eagles 5-2.
Whittlesea United had a big 3-0 win against Hoppers Crossing on the road.
La Trobe University took it up to NPL side Brunswick City, losing 5-2.
