Tara Murray
Newport has shown it can’t be discounted in the Western Region Football League division 2 finals race, with an upset win against Parkside on Saturday.
With several teams fighting for the last spot in the top four, Newport’s win against the top two sides shakes things up again.
Newport assistant coach Josh Russo said the boys finally believed that they could beat any team in the competition.
“It was a good win,” he said. “It was a bit closer at the end, but we were able to keep our season alive.
“We said to the boys that we know that we can play good footy, but we haven’t put it together all year.
“We’ve done it quarter, which isn’t good enough. We said you have to back yourself in and go out there and match it with them.
“Credit to the boys they played some really good patches together.”
The match was even throughout the first half, with the straight kicking Newport leading by nine points at half time.
They say the third quarter is the premiership quarter and it proved to be the difference in this game.
Newport kicked five goals to one, to lead by 35 points at the last break.
Russo knew they were still in for a battle to come away with the four points.
“We worked really hard after half time and executed the team stuff really well,” he said.
“In the fourth quarter it was a bit of a war and Parkside got on top.
“Credit to our boys they were able to hold their nerve. Parkside left nothing in the tank.”
Russo said in other close games this season, they hadn’t been able to get over the line, showing the work they had done was working.
He said they were still able to take the game on and have some more control.
Mohamed Dibb kicked three goals for Newport. Nayef Hamad and Omar Abou-Zeid were named their best.
Newport now sits fourth heading into the final round. Wyndhamvale is a game behind, with a better percentage.
Newport faces the undefeated Point Cook Centrals in the final round. Russo said they were just focused on playing good football.
“We would rather be fourth, than trying to get in,” he said.
“We’ve played some good footy the last four to five weeks. We have to believe that we can go out there and play a good game and put out our best and the results will take care of themselves.”
In other results, Point Cook ended Albion’s finals hopes, winning 18.8 (116)-5.9 (39).
North Footscray won the Footscray derby against West Footscray, 19.18 (132)-6.7 (43), while Wyndhamvale beat Glen Orden, 13.15 (93)-4.6 (30).
In division 1, Altona beat Hoppers Crossing, 14.9 (93)-7.4 (46), while Caroline Springs smashed Sunshine, 31.13 (199)-1.1 (7).
Spotswood was too strong for Point Cook winning, 19.19 (133)-9.8 (62) and Deer Park moved into third after beating St Albans, 16.11 (107)-3.6 (24).
Werribee Districts beat Yarraville Seddon in the other match, winning 24.20 (164)-7.6 (48).
