By Tara Murray
Craigieburn City isn’t getting ahead of itself despite having one hand on second spot in FFV state league 4 north.
Craigieburn sits three points and has five goal better goal difference than third placed Darebin United heading into the final round of matches.
Second spot would mean a spot in the play off promotion against the second team in state league 4 west. The winner will play the 10th placed team from state league 3 north-west for a spot in that division next season.
Despite sitting in such a good spot, Craigieburn coach Michael Loche isn’t prepared to take any chances.
“We’ve got one more game to go and we need to avoid defeat,” he said.
“We don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves, we could trip up.
“Marcellin need to win to avoid relegation… We will not be taking them lightly.”
Craigieburn put itself in the prime position to finish second with a come from behind win against Darebin on Saturday.
Not only was the win important, but it also increased the goal difference between the two sides.
Craigieburn won the match, 3-1.
“We were one goal down at half time, so we didn’t expect to win 3-1,” he said.
“We looked after the ball a bit more and took our chances.
“Once we got the equaliser it forced them to come at us. The game opened up and we were able penetrate.”
Driss Ben Hadji scored the first two goals, with Jordan Connerton scoring the third in the 90th minute.
Connerton’s goal is his third in two games since returning from injury.
Loche said they didn’t envisage the season they would have especially, with their star missing more than half the season.
“Losing Jordan, you’re taking the best player in the league out. Him coming back adds quality and goals, and goals win games.
“The other fellows have done wonders to be able to challenge. It’s a credit to everyone.”
If Craigieburn were to happen to earn promotion, it would be their second promotion in as many years.
It’s just their third season of having a state league side.
Loche said they were surprised as any one how well they had gone over the last few years.
“It’s better than expected and I’m really proud of the boys.
“Some clubs will stay in the same league for a number of years.”
In state league 2 north-west, Whittlesea United has sealed a second straight promotion.
United sealed promotion with a 5-0 win against Fitzroy City on Saturday.
This week they have the chance to seal the title.
In other results, Mill Park lost to Altona East Phoenix 1-0 and Hume United lost to Diamond Valley United 2-0.
In state league 3 north-west, Upfield lost to Williamstown 3-2 , while Epping City lost 1-0 to Point Cook.
In state league 4 north, Greenvale United drew 4-4 with Melbourne University and Lalor United smashed Plenty Valley Lions 5-2.
In state league 5 north, Bundoora United had a 1-0 win against Uni Hill Eagles
