Spotswood got back on track with a 20-point win over local rivals Altona in the Western Region Football League division 1 at JK Grant Reserve on Saturday.
The Woodsmen took full advantage of the Vikings’ errant kicking for goal, winning the game despite having five less scoring shots.
The leadership of captain Murray Boyd and former player-coach Tom Langlands came to the fore for Spotswood.
Langlands capped his game off with a team-high three goals, while Toby Kopa, Charles Bettiol and Dylan Callard contributed two each.
Spotswood put a week of soul searching behind them after a heavy defeat to ladder leaders Deer Park and consolidated second spot on the ladder.
The Woodsmen will host a dangerous Albion, who came close to upsetting Deer Park last start, at McLean Reserve on Saturday.
For Altona, the loss was another blow to its finals hopes.
It could be do or die for the Vikings when they travel to fifth-placed Werribee Districts this Saturday.
In division 3, Laverton faces an uphill task avoiding the wooden spoon after losing to Sanctuary Lakes by 12 points at Laverton Park Reserve.
Parkside maintained its grip over top spot with an assertive defensive performance in a 55-point win over Tarneit at Henry Turner Reserve.
The Magpies restricted the Titans to a total of 17 points for the game. Jason Cloke kicked four goals.
Braybrook was blown away after half-time in a 63-point loss to Sunshine Heights at Ainsworth Reserve. Brad Busuttil was impressive with four goals.
