By Tara Murray
Lalor United is on cloud nine after sealing a second straight promotion in FFV state league.
Having started last year in state league 4 north, Lalor will next season be in state league 2 north-west.
Lalor coach Tony Sterjovski said that two years ago the club couldn’t have imagined the success that was headed its way.
“It’s fantastic feeling,” he said.
“Back-to-back promotions are brilliant. The club had a goal at the start of the campaign two years ago – the goal was to get to division 2, but we didn’t think it would happen that quick.
“From day one, I had belief in the group and credit to the boys, week in week out.”
Lalor sealed promotion with three rounds remaining with a 4-2 victory against Fawkner in state league 3 north-west on Saturday.
Sterjovski said he couldn’t have asked for much more from players who stuck to the game plan and the task at hand.
They scored three early goals to take control of the match.
“There was the hunger,” he said.
“To be honest, it’s one of the best first halves we’ve had this year.
“They knew what was at stake. They came out at 100 miles an hour.”
Kliment Dimitrieski scored twice for Lalor, while Aleksandar Koltovski and Zoran Petrevski were the other goal scorers.
While promotion is sealed, the focus has quickly turned to trying to earn a second straight title.
Lalor United sits on top of the ladder, goal difference ahead of Strathmore, which will also be promoted.
There are three rounds remaining.
“Our main aim was to be promoted,” Sterjovski said.
“Hopefully, now we can seal back-to-back championships, as well. It’s phenomenal effort by the group.”
In other results, Upfield beat Craigieburn City 2-0.
stte league 2, Mill Park defeated Moreland United 3-1 and Hume United had a 6-3 win against Altona East Phoenix.
Epping City suffered a 1-0 loss to Hoppers Crossing.
