By Tara Murray
Lalor United was all about unfinished business in FFV state league 4 north this year.
Lalor was agonisingly close to promotion last season but missed out, firstly because of a points deduction and then losing a play-off.
It was keen to make sure it didn’t happen again and on Saturday afternoon sealed the state league 4 north title with three weeks to go.
Lalor needed just a 1-1 draw with Darebin United to take the title and with it promotion into state league 3 next season.
Coach Tony Sterjovski said the title meant so much more after the disappointment of last season.
“There was unfinished business from day one,” he said. “There was obviously a lot riding on us winning the championship for the club, the players and the coaches.
“We’ve only lost one game for the season.”
Lalor went into Saturday’s game knowing a win would seal top spot.
“We were confident we could get the job done,” Sterjovski said.
“The boys knew what the game meant and we did what we had to do. We scored early in the game and were 1-0 up.
“The second half they came out with a strong wind and we were under pressure for the last half hour. In the end it was a draw.”
Sterjovski said it was a pretty special moment for everyone involved in the club.
It’s Lalor’s first senior championship in 25 years.
“It’s a memory for life for the players and supporters, singing the song afterwards.
“We’re making our own history.”
Lalor still has three rounds remaining before the end of the season. Sterjovski said they would enjoy those final three rounds.
“Obviously having claimed the title it takes the pressure off.
“We can go out and enjoy it.”
In other results, Craigieburn City defeated Greenvale United 4-0, while the Plenty Valley Lions defeated RMIT FC 3-1.
Craigieburn City has closed the gap on second-placed Darebin United to three points.
The team which finishes second, will enter a play-off final series.
Lalor United wasn’t the only team to claim a championship on Saturday, with Epping City sealing the state league 3 north-west title.
Having claimed a promotion spot the previous round, Epping City defeated Essendon United 1-0 to seal the title.
The race for the title and promotion in state league 2 north-west looks set to go to the final round.
Brimbank Stallions sit four points clear of Whittlesea United, having played one more game.
Whittlesea was due to play on Monday night. A win would be a big boost for Whittlesea, which is just four points clear of seventh.
