SUNSHINE GEORGE CROSS 1

GREEN GULLY O

SCORER: JOHN SAPAZOVSKI.

LINE UP: M. JOHN, M. CINI, N. SCHWALL, J. CLANCEY, C. KONSTAS, J. WEBSTER, N. HOOKS. W. WALLACE, G. PAPADOPOULOS (T. JOHNSTONE 89), S. MANCESKI ( P. KOUTSOUPIAS 57), J. SAPAZOVSKI (B. COGGER 75). SUBS: E. CHRISTODOULOU, A. PECORA.

Sunshine George Cross defeated Green Gully 1-0 at Chaplin Reserve to move to within 1 point of the top five. The winning goal was scored by John Sapazovski from the penalty spot after 61 minutes following a foul on Georgie captain Wayne Wallace. This was not one of those classic derby matches with both goalkeepers having very little to do. Defenders of both teams were well on top and both teams having trouble stringing more than three passes together. It was tough and hectic with no team being able to assert their superiority. Players had very little time on the ball with tackles coming in hard and fast. Trailling 0-1, Gully tried to get back into the game after the break but found the Georgie defence hard to crack. Tiny winger Aziz Behich was very lively for the Greens on the left flank, but for all his good work he failed to deliver any telling crosses. Gully pushed men forward and played with three at the back in search for a late equaliser, Georgie speedy duo George Papadopoulos and Peter Koutsoupias repeatedly forced the Gully defence into giving the ball away. With a little more composure Sunshine could have wrapped up the match well before the final whistle. The 1-0 win was sufficient for the home team with goalkeeper Martin John not being called upon to make a solitary save all afternoon.  Coach Andy O'Dell was very happy after the game saying "this was the most satisfying win he has had in his time at the club". He added "The way we play is the winning way and what you did today will get you into the top 5, that was fantastic to beat a team like Green Gully".