Flying start sets up big win for Whittlesea United

Salih Sefil scored twice on Saturday for Whittlesea United. Picture Shawn Smits.

Whittlesea United closed the gap to the ladder leaders in FFV state league 3 north-­west with a massive win against Lalor United on Saturday.

In the only state league 3 north-­west game played in Saturday’s catch­-up round, Whittlesea United was keen to get on the park after the previous two matches were postponed because of unplayable grounds.

Whittlesea United started well and led 4­-1 by half-­time before getting home 6­-3.

Baran Karagoz and Salih Sefil both scored doubles and Alptekin Kalayci and Reid Aygun grabbed once each for Whittlesea.

The result moved Whittlesea United to third, just three points behind leaders Geelong Rangers and with a match in hand which will be played in a catch­up round later in the season.

Lalor United is ninth on the ladder.

In National Premier League, Hume City drew 2-­2 with top­-of-­the-­table South Melbourne on Friday night.

Kristian Trajceski put City in front early, before Milos Lujic levelled right on half time.

Lujic made it a double in the 78th minute to put South Melbourne ahead and Theo Markelis scored moments later to grab a point for his side.

City’s next match is against Green Gully in the semi­finals of the Dockerty Cup on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, Hume has been drawn to face Marconi Stallions at home in the nationwide FFA Cup round of 32.

In NPL 2 west, Whittlesea Ranges maintained their spot at the top of the table with a 3-­2 win over Melbourne City. th minute to put South Melbourne ahead and Theo