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STRIKER George Slefendorfas showed some tricks to clinch a two-goal victory for FC Bendigo's in Sunday's finale to the National Premier League Victoria's division one season.
Windy conditions at Epsom-Huntly Reserve made it extremely difficult for FC Bendigo and Sunshine George Cross to set up many attacks.
Defences were well on top for most of the round 26 contest as passes often went astray in the swirling breeze.
Unbeaten in September, Bendigo had the breeze in the first half but could not score at the Epsom end of the pitch.
FC Bendigo went into the match with coach and key defender Steve Martin on the sidelines because of injury.
By half-time the home team had already made forced two substitutions following injuries to Matt Breeze and Aaron Cohen.
Those who grasped extra game time and shone were Daniel Purdy in attack and Tom Shaper in midfield and defence.
Although there were plenty of attacking moves, neither team could beat the 'kepeer in the first half.
A shot by Sunshine in the 62nd minute was parried away by Bendigo 'keeper Seb Mattei.
A high kick by Bendigo captain Trent Waterson was caught by the goalie.
A brilliant strike by Alon Blumgart, who played an excellent game in Bendigo's midfield, soared over the crossbar.
A hat-trick of shots by Sunshine George Cross between the 30th and 37th minutes of the second half were wide of the net or sailed over the crossbar.
As the gusts eased slightly it was FC Bendigo which started to string more passes from defence, through midfield and into attack.
A move which began with Blumgart in the centre and out to the right to Waterson was followed by Daniel Purdy putting in a brilliant cross to the other side of the pitch.
Somehow Slefendorfas dived to head Purdy's cross past the 'keeper.
It was one of FC Bendigo's goals of the season and the ninth he had scored this season.
A few minutes later and another Sunshine George Cross strike was saved by Mattei.
FC Bendigo's attacking intent did not let up.
It was Slefendorfas who again brought up another highlight when he spun away from a defender and then struck a left-foot goal to make it two-nil.
He joined Breeze as the team's equal goalscorer this season on 10.
A big year for Slefendorfas included representing Papua New Guinea.
There were many oustanding performers in the victory.
Ryan Davidson and Josh Romein were solid in defence and Mattei made some crucial saves in the first half.