Reds on the rise again

Durable winger Zia Sherzai has not missed a single game for Hoppers Crossing in the past two seasons. Picture: Damjan Janevski

Hoppers Crossing has secured back-to-back promotions after a 1-0 win over Geelong Rangers on the road in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 3 north-west at Myers Reserve on Saturday.

Striker John Little – who has scored eight times for the Reds this season, second to only Liam McDermott with 10 – scored the winner to send the Reds to state league 2 in 2016.

Consecutive promotions have been achieved under two different coaches – Alfonso Opazo took the Reds to state league 4 glory last season.

With the FFV having its catch-up round for postponed games this week, the Reds will have plenty of time to celebrate before preparing to clinch the title. They will be champions if FC Williamstown lose to Whittlesea United in the catch-up round this weekend.

In state league 4 west, the Truganina Hornets have produced Jekyll and Hyde performances in the past two weeks but should have done enough to avoid relegation.

A week after losing to bottom side Laverton Park, the Hornets beat title contender Bell Park 1-0 away on Saturday, moving them five points clear of second-last Keilor Wolves.

Point Cook went down 1-0 to premiership front-runners Brimbank Stallions at Club Italia Sporting Club on Saturday.