AFTER consecutive defeats, Eaglehawk was back to its championship-winning best against Golden City in the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League's division one match.
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The Hawks welcomed back goalkeeper Chris Samuel for the big clash on the City's turf at Shadforth Park, while Matt Schepers started at sweeper.
The pressure was on both teams with a lot of turnovers in midfield.
Steve Graham did well against Hawks' playmaker Colin Samuel, while Verkuylen was opposed to City's Dane Butler.
The first goal was struck in the 40th minute when Johnstone did well to keep the ball in play and crossed to an unmarked Colin Samuel who headed the ball past City keeper Joel Cross.
Two minutes later the Borough doubled its lead when City cleared, but only as far as Johnstone who smashed a shot from 20 yards.
At kick-off for the second half, Dane Butler went forward for City, while Simon Last moved to midfield.
Another Johnstone shot went just wide, while City's Michael McIlroy had a long shot glance the crossbar.
Eaglehawk sealed victory when Gatt capitalised on a defensive error.
City kept on fighting as Dane Butler's shot just missed, a Paul Castelli free kick was just wide, and Keegan Butler leapt for a header which narrowly missed the target.
The Hawks are well in contention for the title, while City needs to bounce back in Sunday's clash at Epsom.
BEST - Eaglehawk: Colin Samuel, Mick McKechnie, Ross Johnstone. Golden City: James Edwards, Paul Castelli, James Sowerby.Colts United won a tough battle with Epsom.
The midfield duel was a highlight as Colts' Alf Longano, Phil Berry, Chris Chiang and Jamie Brown took on Gerry Canny, David Stynes, Matt Seeley and Luke Hercus.
The Scorpions had chances through Trent Gladstone and Tom Cybula, but they were thwarted by Colts keeper Steve Schintler or shots went wide.
At the other end, Epsom's young goalkeeper Liam Jukes did well against a Colts attack led by Abdulqadir Ali and Hassan Abduallhi.
The Scorpions paid the penalty for missing the chances when Alf Longano capitalised after a team-mate took the ball off Stynes.
Epsom threw everything at Colts in a bid to equalise, but continued to miss.
Colts clinched victory when Abduallahi and Longano teamed to cross to young substitute Sam Gower to volley a goal.
BEST - Colts United: Alf Longano, Son Quach, Steve Schintler. Epsom: Luke Hercus, Matt Seeley, Liam Jukes.
Moama gained its first points in the BASL's top division after a 1-1 draw at Kyneton.
The hosts led after just five minutes when Cameron Plant was on the end of a corner kick.
The Raiders equalised when Daniel Jocelzac headed in a corner pass.
Defences dominated the second half and Moama celebrated a great day in its short history.
BEST - Kyneton: John Mancini, Joel Ritchie, James Boorman. Moama: Scott Tivendale, Vince Giovonello, David Geltch.
