FC Bendigo upset Kingston City in Saturday night's National Premier League Victoria division one match.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Despite a late switch from a home game at Epsom to Kingston's turf in Clayton, Bendigo teamed superbly at The Grange.
Spring Gully's Jono Ryan made the most of being in the starting 11 for Bendigo.
Playing in central midfield, Ryan struck FC Bendigo's first goal from about the 30m mark in the 25th minute.
Defensive pressure and a high-level workrate were two areas FC Bendigo playing coach Steve Martin had stressed in the build-up and throughout the contest.
Martin was rapt with Bendigo's work on every line and the 90-minute effort on the way to a 1-0 victory.
"The defensive efforts of the midfielders were excellent.
"It was important to shut down the space Kingston City could work into and challenge the second touch from midfield into attack.
Several times this season FC Bendigo had hit an early lead, but was defeated.
"We had been in that position (in front) a few times.
"What was really pleasing was we stuck to the task and had belief in our team-mates."
Among the many highlights was keeping Kingston goalless.
Best for FC Bendigo were goalkeeper Sebastian Mattei, George Slefendorfas in attack, and Jono Ryan.
The night's play at The Grange kicked off with Kingston City scoring a 5-1 victory in the under-20 match.
FC Bendigo is at home this Saturday to play Brunswick City at Epsom-Huntly.