Whittlesea United’s grip on top spot has tightened in FFV state league 2 north-west.
United didn’t waste any opportunity to extend its lead at the top of the table in a catch-up game against Westgate, the only state league 2 north-west game played at the weekend.
Westgate shocked United early, scoring the opener in the first minute of the game.
But United switched on and took control in the middle through Sinan Mirik, who played a role in all of United’s attacks forward.
Serkan Oksuz, in his first start for the season, scored the equaliser with one of the goals of the season – slotting the goal from outside the box.
Oksuz continued to cause havoc and was instrumental in setting up Reis Aygun, whose shot cannoned off the back post.
Oksuz got the rebound and scored his second goal of the half.
Aygun got a second opportunity not long afterwards and made no mistake to take the score to 3-1.
United coach Peter Schwellinger said the scoreline could quite easily have been more in their favour at the break.
“The first half was brilliant … we had chances to score a couple more goals,” Schwellinger said.
“Serkan put on a show. He didn’t play soccer the last few years and came in the pre-season before getting injured. He only came back in the reserves two weeks ago.”
United was on the back foot, doing a lot of the defending in the second half as Westgate continued to attack. It also had its chances through Kemal Irdem and Muhammed Temel but couldn’t find the sealer.
Westgate got its second goal late, to put the pressure back on United.
United held on in the dying minutes to get the three points in the 3-2 win.
Schwellinger said there was a few nervous moments after Westgate scored its second goal.
“I was biting my nails and I never do that,” he said. “We looked a bit tired. We played on Monday and that kills us when we then play a Saturday game. Most of the time we still have sore players.”
United, which played in state league 3 north-west last season, sits on top of the ladder with nine wins and a draw, having conceded just four goals for the season.
It is five points clear of Hume United, which has the best defence in the competition having conceded just three goals.
Schwellinger said they never imagined sitting in this position at the start of the year.
“The result was a massive opportunity as we’re not only five points ahead of second, but eight points ahead of third and the top two teams get promoted.
“It’s a massive position to be in. We never expected that. We thought we would be competitive … it’s an amazing opportunity.
“We’re just taking it game by game and never look too far ahead.”
This week Whittlesea United face Geelong Rangers. With second and third playing each other, United could extend its lead on top even further.
In state league 3 north-west catch-up games, La Trobe University got its first win of the season defeating Heidelberg Stars 4-1, while, FC Strathmore defeated Moreland United 2-1.
