Whittlesea Ranges strike to avoid the relegation zone

Whittlesea Ranges climbed further away from the relegation zone with a strong win against Ballarat City in National Premier League 2 west.

Sitting second and third last on the table respectively, the match was a perfect opportunity to put more of a gap on bottom side Sunshine George Cross.

It was the higher ranked Ranges that got the job done, winning 2-0.

The Ranges opened the scoring in the 11th minute, before scoring the sealer late as the result of a counter attack.

The win is the Ranges fourth in five matches, as the team settles under new coach Tony Ciantar.

While the Ranges stay in eighth spot, they are now six points clear of Ballarat City and nine points clear of Sunshine George Cross.

Ranges this week face Brunswick City as they look to continue their good form.

In NPL, Hume City suffered a 1-0 loss to Bentleigh Greens.

Looking to continue their good run of form, Hume pushed the ladder leaders right to the end.

It took until late in the second half for the teams to be split, with Matthew Thurtell scoring in the 85th minute for the Greens.

The solitary goal was enough to seal the win for the Greens.

Speaking at the club’s press conference, coach Nick Hegarty said they thought they were in the game in the second half.

He said the Greens scored off a counter attack, which was disappointing.

He said there was a lot of positives to come out of the game and shows where they currently stand.

The result halts Hume’s rise up the ladder and keeps them in the relegation mix.

Hume sits in 10th spot, with 19 points, six points behind sixth placed Melbourne Knights.

At the same time, they sit just four points clear of bottom side Northcote City and Bulleen Lions.

Hume this week faces the Lions, giving themselves the chance to increase the gap.