An understrength Lalor United came away with one point against Western Eagles in FFV state league 3 north-west.
While on paper, ladder leaders Lalor went into the game as favourites against the Eagles, which had won just three matches, it was a lot closer.
It was the Eagles who had the early advantage, leading 2-1 at half time.
Lalor found an equaliser in the second half, and had a shot for a win in the dying seconds.
It went over the crossbar, leaving the scores 2-2.
Lalor coach Tony Sterjovski said he would have taken the draw at the start of the day.
“We were missing eight key players through injury and suspension,” he said.
“As long we didn’t lose, I was happy. To take a draw was a good result.”
Sterjovski said it was disappointing to concede a second goal in the first half to give the Eagles the lead.
He was happy with how the group responded in the second half.
“The effort was good and we regrouped in the second half.”
Jason Dolevski and Jayden Veljanovski were the goal scorers for Lalor.
While missing several players had an impact, Sterjovski said it was pleasing to give a number of players an opportunity at the higher level.
“It was great to see the young boys step up,” he said.
“We had seven or eight under-20 boys have a run. They are the future of the club.
“A few of the boys from the reserves who stepped up have been training with me every week.”
Despite not coming away with the win, the result moves Lalor to the top of the table.
PHOTO GALLERY: Lalor United vs Western Eagles
They are equal on points with Strathmore, which suffered a loss to Williamstown, which sits six points behind the top two sides.
Lalor United face third-placed Williamstown this week. Sterjovski said they were hoping to have some players return this week.
He said they were coming off not their best period of football, with only two wins out of their last five matches.
“We’re still top of the table, which is a positive,” he said.
In other results, Upfield defeated Westvale 4-0. Upfield sits fourth, eight points behind the top two teams.
Sixth-placed Craigieburn City had a 1-1 draw with Point Cook. In state league 1 north-west, Whittlesea lost to Essendon Royals 4-0.
In state league 2 north-west, Hume United defeated Moreland United 3-1 and Mill Park drew with Geelong Rangers, 2-2.
Epping City’s game with Altona East Phoenix was postponed.
MORE FFV NEWS
https://www.starweekly.com.au/sports/balmorals-form-an-ominous-sign-for-opponents/
