Tara Murray
The heartache of the past is gone as Caroline Springs George Cross earned its spot back in the National Premier League.
After sitting in prime position last season to claim the FV state league 1 north-west title and get into the NPL3 competition when COVID-19 ended the season, the Georgies were determined to come back and do it again.
On Friday night, a 2-0 win against Strathmore in a catch up game was enough to secure Georgies promotion with two rounds remaining.
Georgies coach Eric Vassiliadis said this year had been the hardest challenge in his time managing and coaching.
“It’s a massive achievement for the club,” he said. ”This is a journey that started three years ago.
“This is a significant achievement. The challenges we’ve had as a football community and George Cross specifically.
“The joy for the club and supporters is massive.”
Vassiliadis said last year had driven the side this year in more than one way. While it’s a very different side to 12 months ago, the same belief was there.
“Last year and sitting first showed we were on the right path,” he said.
“We knew it would be a challenge psychology and emotionally, but we did the work to get back to the same point.
“But it also meant anyone else had the chance to become stronger. We had to do more than them.
“Credit must go to the footballers and the staff. They have so much to be proud of.”
Vassiliadis said the match with Strathmore was a weird one played under lights. Scores were locked at 0-0 at half time, before Omar Ammache and Jack Wardle scored in the second half to seal a win for the Georgies.
“We were playing a team that was desperate for a point,” he said.
“Our calmness, professionalism an quality got us over the line.
“We did what we had to do. The maturity of the team showed.”
While promotion is sealed, the job is not done for the Georgies.
They sit four points clear of Essendon Royals with two rounds remaining.
Vassiliadis said they still have a couple of targets to hit. A championship would be icing on the cake.
“We’re appreciate what it means getting a championship in any code,” he said.
“We’re in a position we will likely need to win both our matches, with full respect to Essendon Royals, we’re confident they’ll win their next two matches.
“Two more wins will also give us the most successful Georgie Cross season since 1972.
“We’ll stick to the principles and work really hard.”
Meanwhile in state league 4 west, Westside Strikers are one step closer to the title and promotion.
The Strikers on Saturday beat the Surf Coast 2-0 in their catch up round match, their 17th win of the season.
Second placed Keilor Wolves, who were one point behind heading into the round, lost to Gisborne 4-3.
It means a win this week against Bell Park will be enough to finish on top with a round remaining.
