Sunshine George Cross line up: M. Roza, B. Devlin, R. Wallis (D. Straniero 73), M. Kelly, B. Cogger (R. Sexton 87), C. Anthopoulos, E. Soares (H. Wookbum 86), B. Beni, F. McArdle, R. Davani, G. Slefendorfas, Subs; D. Warren, A. Loncaric. Scorers: Barry Devlin 42, Eddie Soares 76.

Round 12: A first home win was a long time coming for Sunshine George Cross, but after this great 2-1 victory over Pascoe Vale, it was smiles all round for the George Cross camp. If nothing else this stirring win will instill belief that Sunshine George Cross has hit their straps and will be hard to beat from now on. This game was one of the fastest and toughest matches seen at Chaplin Reserve for a long time with the Georgies prevailing by the odd goal against a very good Pascoe Vale side. Sunshine George Cross and Pascoe Vale played like teams possessed, with neither side taking a backward step in a very confrontational match. How the players kept their tempers under control is a credit to all who took part. The referee threw away his whistle in this match and was very lenient by allowing players from both sides to get away with some dubious and very physical tackles. Pascoe Vale began the stronger of the two side forcing Mario Roza into an early and desperate clearance after only 2 minutes. Both sides tried to assert their superiority in the middle of the park, but neither could get on top, with the ball moving up and down the ground at break neck speed throughout the first half. Sunshine disappointed from set plays with several free kicks and corner kicks being over hit by various players that caused Pascoe Vale very little trouble. The visitors on the other hand caused the Georgie defence many anxious moments from their set plays. Every free kick and corner kick had the Georgie defence scrambling to clear the ball. Pascoe Vale was the first to crack under pressure with the break through coming after 42 minutes. Eduardo Soares corner kick eluded every player in the penalty area to find Barry Devlin at the far post. The coach of the team gleefully drove home for his 4th goal of the season. The second half saw the Georgies gain the ascendancy, but were caught with a soft Pascoe Vale goal after 61 minutes. Good play by Pascoe Vale's Liam Flynn on the left wing provided Marco Santilli with a direct shot, that goalkeeper Mario Roza did well to block. Roza however dropped the ball at the feet of Luca Santilli, who managed to scramble the ball over the line. Pascoe Vale once again tested the nervous Mario Roza after 64 minutes after he fluffed an attempt to punch the ball clear. On this occasion Roza was helped out by his defence who cleared the danger. The Georgies regained their composure and began to look dangerous through the middle of the park with Brendan Beni, Barry Devlin Ben Cogger and Eduardo Soares hunting in packs. Little Irish meastro Fiachra McArdle saw his well placed free kick strike the cross-bar and was cleared. The deadlock was broken after 76 minutes when Eduardo Soares picked up a loose ball on the edge of the penatly area and curled a great shot past Codey Larkin for Sunshine's second goal. With confidence growing the Cross attacked at will and looked dangerous with every forward thrust. The home team almost made it 3-1, but George Slefendorfas well hit first time volley went straight at the Pascoe Vale keeper. The Georgies were finishing the better but could not add to the score despite looking dangerous through Reginal Davani and Fiachra McArdle whose skill tormented the Vale defence. The final whistle could not come quickly enough for the chanting Georgie fans who let out an all mighty roar after almot 53 minutes of football in the second half. The win takes Sunshine George Cross to 15 points and level on points with 5th placed Pascoe Vale. The Cross is only 3 points behind Fawkner Blues who are 4th. Next Saturday Sunshine George Cross travels to Kingston Heath Soccer Complex to take on Southern Stars. The game kicks of at 3.00pm. The club has orgainsed a bus for this away match which leaves Chaplin Reserve at 12.00pm. Tickets are $20. To book a seat contact Victor Brincat on 0447 549 771.

UNDER 21: SUNSHINE GEORGE CROSS 0 PASCOE VALE 3 Our under 21 team cannot take a trick this season. They are doing as much attacking as any opposing team, but cannot put away good scoring chances. Pascoe Vale took a 1-0 half time lead after the Georgie boys twice hit the frame of the goal. With the Cross pushing forward for an equaliser they left themselves exposed at the back and were punished with Pascoe Vale taking a two goal lead. The game was killed of with another Vale goal late in the game. The score was very harsh on the young Cross team who will be more than a match for any team come 2012.