Tara Murray
Every game is a must win for Caroline Springs George Cross in the run home in the FV state league 1 north-west competition.
The Georgies sit on top of the ladder with four rounds to go, with the four of the top five sides also having a catch up game to come as well.
Heading into the weekend’s matches, which were after deadline, the Georgies were five points clear of second. Just four points were then separating second through to fifth, showing how close the competition is.
While the Georgies are in the box seat for the championship and promotion, coach Eric Vassiliadis said there was still a lot of hard work to go.
“Looking at the ladder tells you there are so many important games,” he said. “We will just focus on what we can control.
“We’ve put ourselves in a position where we’ve put our promotion hopes in our own hands.”
After a tough period about a month ago with a couple of losses to championship hopefuls, the Georgies have responded with good wins against Altona City and the Brimbank Stallions in recent weeks.
The win over the Stallions, who beat them the first time round, puts them nine points ahead of the fifth placed Stallions and ensured the Georgies have a bit of breathing room on the other sides.
“I have no problems with losses, it’s how you respond to losses,” he said. “Two very strong teams had beaten us in tight contests.
“Every game is a big game at the moment. The season is in the balance, but I’m so proud of the boys and the whole club.
“We’re not far from where we want to be.”
Vassiliadis said the squad had thinned out for various reasons, but it provided opportunities for other players at the club.
Against the Stallions, 18-year-old Jack Wardle got the start and scored twice in the win in positive signs for the future.
Vassiliadis said they would continue to focus on one week at a time.
Of the teams still in championship contention, the Georiges play Strathmore and Banyule City in the run home.
On Saturday, they are set to face Corio at home.
“They are the form team of the competition,” he said before the match. “They’ve won four of their last five games.
“We need to make sure we get up in this one.”
Vassiliadis said the club had ticked a lot of boxes in the last three years, but were keen to continue building.
“We want to take the club from strength to strength.”
In other matches due to be played on Saturday third-placed Sydenham Park is due to play Yarraville Glory, while the Stallions are set to face second-placed Essendon Royals in a massive match in the context of the season.
In state league 2 north-west, Westgate and Albion Rovers are still in the mix for the second promotion spot.
On Friday night, the Rovers are set to face Mill Park, while Westgate is due to face top side Upfield on Saturday.
