FC Bendigo could not halt the North Geelong Warriors charge to victory in Saturday’s National Premier League division one clash.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Although FC Bendigo had home-pitch advantage at the home of Eaglehawk Soccer Club it was the Warriors who reigned supreme.
Unbeaten since the 10th round, North Geelong teamed brilliantly in the round 19 clash on Truscott Reserve.
FC Bendigo did a lot of the early attacking, but it was the Warriors who made the first blow when Mark Paleka beat the defence in the 15th minute.
The goal was scored from a corner kick in which Paleka was unmarked at the back post and headed the ball into the net.
North Geelong went further ahead in the early minutes of the second half when Juso Julardzija pounced.
FC Bendigo goalkeeper Christopher Xerri was kept busy in the final 40 minutes of the contest.
Some diving saves by Xerri stopped the Warriors from going further ahead.
A free-kick by FC Bendigo playing coach Steve Martin was pushed wide by Warriors’ goalkeeper Daniel Zilic.
The match ended in a two-nil victory for North Geelong.
After a slow start to the championship, the Warriors have a record of 11 wins, six losses and a draw to now be second in the title race behind Avondale Heights.
FC Bendigo is 12th on the NPL divison one ladder on a 5-10-3 record.
FC Bendigo plays Dandenong City on Saturday.
Action at the Frank Holahan Soccer Complex in Endeavour Hills kicks off with the under-20s at 1pm and will be followed by the senior match from 3pm.
