VU-St Albans Spurs record a one-point victory over Eastern Devils in VWFL

VU-St Albans moved into the top four of the Victorian Women’s Football League Premier Division with a nailbiting one-point win over Eastern Devils on Sunday.

VU-St Albans moved into the Victorian Women’s Football League Premier Division top four after a nailbiting one-point win over Eastern Devils on Sunday.

The Spurs led by 16 points at half-time, but the winless Devils lifted a gear in the third term, booting four unanswered goals to snatch a seven-point lead at the last break.

VU-St Albans coach Sean Potter said he laid down the law to his side at three-quarter time.

“Everything we were doing right in the first half sort of went out the window in the third quarter,” Potter said.

“We were a bit more reactive than proactive and allowed them to get into the game. I mixed up the team a bit, had a stern word with them.”

Led by best-on-ground Debbie Lee, the Spurs returned to their in-and-under style, getting first hands on the footy.

A soccer goal from Kylie Nicolaci at the 15-minute mark of the final term gave the Spurs a two-point lead, and the Devils only managed a behind in return, giving the Spurs their second win of the season, 5.8 (38) to 5.7 (37). Potter said he is satisfied with his side’s 2-2 start to the season.

“The first game against Bendigo we didn’t know what to take out of that,” he said. “And against Eastern, they haven’t been travelling the best. Our hard pre-season has paid off and we’re able to run out games.”

The first-year coach said his players have also learnt from their two losses against Melbourne Uni and Diamond Creed. The Spurs host fifth-placed St Kilda after the bye, and a win will give them a two-game lead inside the top four.

“If we can knock off St Kilda, not only will it give us confidence, but it’ll really set up a good season for us and give us breathing room.

“The morale and belief will be huge, but we know if we work hard it’ll be worth it.”