Sunbury United has returned to the winners’ list with a high-scoring win against Heidelberg Stars in FFV state league 3 north-west soccer.
After a 5-0 defeat at the hands of competition leader Epping City the previous week, Sunbury was keen to make amends.
After an even first half, the scores were locked at 2-2, before Sunbury scored the first two goals of the second half to open up a 4-2 lead.
Stars hit back with their third to reduce the margin, but Sunbury was able to hold on to win 4-3.
Sunbury director Daniel Moore said it was a fantastic game in tough conditions.
“It was pretty tough with the wind and the rain,” he said. “It was challenging for both sides.
“The first half was back and forth, with us scoring, then them, then us and then them again.
“The first half hour of the second half was fantastic and we dominated possession and created opportunities and got two goals.
“They then pinched one and had the run of the play … we did enough to hold on.”
Sime Brzoja scored twice for Sunbury with Jayden Mercieca and Muhamad Chawk the other goalscorers.
The win moved Sunbury back to second on the ladder, behind Epping City.
Sunbury has a 4-1-2 record.
Moore said the Epping City match was a good opportunity to assess how the side was travelling this season.
“That match was disappointing,” he said.
“The score didn’t reflect how the game played out. We still played really well and Lino [Grech] was happy with the performance, which sounds funny.
“They were lethal up front. These guys are the benchmark of the league. On our day we can beat anyone, Epping included.”
Gisborne’s good form in state league 5 west continued with a 2-1 defeat of West Point.
The win keeps Gisborne at the top of the ladder, two points clear of Westside Strikers. Gisborne, which has six wins from seven games, has played one more game than the Strikers.
