North Geelong claims its first win of the VPL1 season, defeating Kingston City
North Geelong is finally on the board in 2024, knocking off Kingston City to record its first win of the VPL season and first since June last year.
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North Geelong’s 17-game winless run is over.
The Warriors recorded its first win of the Victorian Premier League 1 season on Saturday, defeating Kingston City 2-1 in a pulsating clash at Elcho Park.
Anthony Leban was the hero, scoring both goals, the second a rasping, pile-driving half volley which cleaned out the cobwebs in the net.
The victory was the club’s first since Round 19 last season, a 1-0 win over Moreland City on June 26.
Having suffered relegation back to VPL1, North Geelong lost the opening nine games of the season.
It scored its first point of the campaign with a 1-all draw with Eastern Lions last week.
After a scoreless first half, Leban struck twice to secure one of the club’s best wins in recent seasons.
“It was a fantastic 90-minute performance from all the boys,” Leban said.
“I was very happy to have scored the two goals, but more importantly, for the team to have won our first match of the season.
“Now, we are keen to keep the ball rolling and keep the wins coming.”
On a sour note, substitute Lochlan McGrath received his marching orders after copping two yellow cards and will miss next week’s game.
The Warriors’ attention now turns to a crucial away match against 11th-placed Caroline Springs George Cross next Saturday.
Meanwhile, Barwon SC returned to the winners list in emphatic fashion after defeating Bell Park 6-1 in the State League 4 derby at Grovedale Reserve on Friday night.
Strikers Mylton Bailey and Vedran Stojanovic both scored a brace, while brothers Christian and Jackson Davis chipped in with a goal apiece.
It was centre-back Jackson’s first goal in more than seven years.
Following the win, Barwon coach Dale Harris paid tribute to his selfless team, saying that a week of reflection played its part in the fantastic performance against an organised opponent.
“Bell Park had their opportunities and chances but I do feel we were in control and our three-goal lead at half-time was purely through sheer will and desire,” Harris said.
“Our two key strikers kept finding each other and Tristan Harris joined his captain Jackson Davis in the centre of defence for the first time this season, forming a partnership that will complement our squad to a tee.
“At the end of the day, the lads really wanted this win and when we want it, we perform.
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“This was a performance and a team that I was very proud of.”
Barwon will host Surf Coast in a highly anticipated Round 6 local derby on Friday night, with the Coasters travelling to Grovedale Reserve in joint top spot on the ladder after five rounds.
The Coasters recorded an emphatic 6-0 drubbing of lowly Truganina at Banyul Warri Reserve on Saturday.
Englishman John Pykett scored a hat-trick to bring his season’s tally to six goals, while Christian Mahon, Ethan O’Connell and Bradley Verrall all scored one each.
Originally published as North Geelong claims its first win of the VPL1 season, defeating Kingston City
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