By Tara Murray
Craigieburn City is one step closer to earning a second straight promotion in FFV state league soccer.
Having finished second in state league 4 north, Craigieburn, needs two play-off wins to get a spot in state league 3 north-west.
They completed step one with a 2-1 win against Altona North on Saturday.
Craigieburn coach Michael Loche said the match was a tale of two halves.
He said they knew they were in for a stern challenge, as Altona North had conceded the least goals in state league 4 west and had just lost two games for the season.
“We had only ever played them in a practice match three years ago and they were unbeaten in their last 10 games,” Loche said.
“We were the better side in the first half … we were 2-0 up with some good set pieces.
“Altona was better in the second. They scored with 25 minutes to go and put a lot of pressure on us. Our defence stood up to the pressure. To knock them off is really good.”
Paul Murphy and Jordan Connerton were the goal scorers for Craigieburn.
The win sets up a clash with Essendon United, which finished third last is state league 3 north-west.
As with Altona North, Loche said they knew little about Essendon United.
“The last time I coached against them was four years ago,” he said.
“I saw them play one game and they demolished Fawkner.”
Loche said having made it this far, Craigieburn wanted to earn that promotion.
“It’s the only division when second place doesn’t automatically earn promotion,” he said.
“It’s a cut-throat final and it’s 50-50. We’re happy to be there, but once you’re there you want to clinch promotion.
“It would be great to be in state league 3. Win, lose or draw, I’m proud of the players.”
