Not for the first time this season, Epping held its nerve late in the fourth quarter to beat South Morang by two points in the Northern Football League on Saturday.
The Pingers led by two points at threequarter time at Epping Reserve and although they fell behind
In the quarter they wrestled back the lead to win 11.14 (80)-12.6 (78).
Pingers coach Greg Whitcroft said his had the confidence they could win the close games.
“It’s unbelievable to have seen so many close games this season,” he said.
“We’re winning them and it’s pretty good to be doing that. The group has a lot of persistence and they’re getting rewarded.”
While rather not wanting to play in close games, Whitcroft says the intensity and game pressure is a good learning curve for the younger players.
“They’re seeing how it’s done in tight situations,” he said,
“I don’t think they even realise they’re learning even if they aren’t getting many kicks. Subconsciously they’re picking up a lot.
“On Saturday, Dallyce Taylor, Corey Middleton and Jason Stavely all had an impact late in the game.”
If not for poor kicking earlier in the game, the Pingers could have been in a much stronger place near the end.
“I thought we were in control [in the first half] but we didn’t put them away and missed a lot of set shots,” Whitcroft said,
“We left the door open for them in the third quarter and they kicked seven straight and we kicked 3.6, including missing five set shots.
“It could have been a shoot-out. They’re a dangerous young side and all teams in this competition will turn it on when they have the chance.”
Aaron Willitts kicked four goals for the Pingers, but was one of the main culprits in missing shots.
Lucas Aquilina was best on ground.
For the Lions, Kane Maghamez and Wayne Pavitt kicked three goals each.
The win cements the Pingers’ place on top of the ladder and they are now three games clear of the fifth-placed Lions.
Whitcroft said they were still not worrying about a top-two finish and second chance.
“We think any team can be beaten and it’s so close any team thinks they can beat us,” he said.
“We’ve stolen a couple of wins against Banyule and St Mary’s, and the season could look a bit different if they had have gone the other way.”
Mernda sits in second spot, a game back behind the Pingers, after beating Banyule on Saturday.
In division 1, Bundoora ended Heidelberg’s unbeaten start to the season.
After a disappointing loss previous the week, the Bulls shocked the Tigers 18.10 (118)-6.7 (43).
Veteran Gary Moorcroft turned back the clock with eight goals in a bestonground performance.
Whittlesea made it three wins in a row with a one-point success over Eltham.
In division 2, Thomastown and Lalor were both beaten.
