EFL 2022: Noble Park tightens grip on top-two with second-half blitz against Vermont

Noble Park surged to a big win over Vermont in the EFL’s Premier Division on Saturday, as a key move sparked the visitors into action.

NOBLE PARK remains in touch with top spot after a second-half blitz against Vermont on Saturday.

The Bulls charged away after just four points separated the pair at the main break, running out 12.19 (91) to 7.6 (48) victors.

The result marks Noble Park’s first win at Vermont since 2015, lifting it to a 9-2 record – a game from first – while it also consigns the Eagles (5-6) to a fifth-straight loss and eighth position.

Noble Park senior coach Steve Hughes credited the second-half surge to a lift in pressure, while a key move onto dominant Vermont midfielder Lachie Johns helped swing momentum.

“I think our pressure (lifted) and it probably took a little while to break Vermont down – I thought they were up to the fight. I just think our sustained pressure probably started to tell after half-time a bit,” Hughes said.

“Johns was right on top of us in the first half and we shifted Anthony Marson onto him to lock him down and did a terrific job, and he nullified Lachie in the second half which opened up the game for us.”

Noble Park’s Anthony Marson nullified the second-half influence of Vermont champ Lachie Johns, the coach says. Picture: Andy Brownbill

There was no shortage of avenues to goal for the Bulls as Shayne Allan kicked three alongside Kieran Byers, Harley Fairbank and Ziggie Alwan with two apiece.

Johns snagged three majors for the Eagles, while midfielder Chris Horton-Milne led the way to finish the Bulls’ best, earning high praise from the coach.

“Just his inside grunt-work was outstanding – he led from the front with his pressure acts,” Hughes said

“I haven’t seen the stats yet, but his tackles and pressure around the footy enabled us to get the ball back a number of times and his workrate around the ground (was impressive) … he was busy all over the ground.”

Noble Park’s Shayne Allan finished with three majors. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Kyle Martin was a late withdrawal with “a little bit of knee trouble” and will be “touch and go” for next week’s clash with Park Orchards according to the coach.

“I think it’s a really good example of our depth this year … I think Kyle’s missed three or four and Jack Sketcher’s missed three games and we’ve won all of those,” Hughes said.

The Bulls ending the seven-year drought at Terrara Rd also slumps Vermont to five losses in a row for the first time since 2011.

But Hughes expects the injury-hit Eagles to bounce back.

“It’s been a long time between drinks … we’re really pleased against what we consider to be the benchmark club of the comp and to get two wins this year is terrific, but they’re battling away with injuries and I know Adam Parker’s doing a terrific job over there, and they’ll bounce back no doubt,” Hughes said.