Yarraville Glory has risen to every challenge thrown its way this season and has deservedly assumed the front running in the chase for Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 2 north-west crown.
Glory was tipped to go back to the pack when up to six regular first team players were out over a three-week period.
But the reinforcements ensured that did not happen, picking up four points from those matches and allowing the side to keep in contact with the top clubs.
And with their full line-up back on the park on Saturday, Glory dismantled top side Moreland United 3-1 away at Clifton Park and replaced them on top of the ladder.
“A month ago, we knew we had a period coming up when we’d lose a few players, six key players to be honest,” Glory coach Charlie Egan told Star Weekly.
“But we knew we’d get them back this week, which was timely because this was the big one.
“The kids came in over the period and did well for us. We won one, drew one and lost one, so we couldn’t be too disappointed with the return for what we had on the field.
“This week was a big result because if we’d lost that one, it would’ve killed us.”
Knowing three points would see them lay claim to top spot, Glory went to United’s home ground with a positive approach.
They bossed the top-of-the-table clash from the outset and only a string of spectacular saves from the United goalkeeper stopped the margin from blowing out.
“It was a tough game, but it was one of those games when we had our chances,” Egan said.
“At 2-1, their keeper pulled off two magnificent saves, they were real top class.”
Glory eventually got their insurance goal with a little bit of help from the referee.
With 10 minutes to go, United saw a red card and went down to 10 men, before the dose was repeated shortly after and they finished the game with nine.
Glory then made numerical advantage count, striker Goran Jozeljic scoring a double and captain Keith Dunne also hitting the net.
Jozeljic is putting his hand up as the recruit of the year, going at a goal a game in his first eight Glory matches.
“You can get these guys who go down a level just to swan around and take it easy, but he’s come down and he’s putting in,” Egan said.
“Socially he’s been brilliant and that was one of the selling points for him coming. It’s closer to his home and he knew one or two boys at the club.”
The odds of a Glory title must have shortened dramatically.
They hold a one-point advantage at the top, with games against Melbourne University, Hume United and Banyule City – three of the bottom four – to come.
“On paper, and I know it’s not played on paper, we can only throw it away from here,” Egan said.
“But at this stage of the season, the teams at the top are fighting for the championship and the teams at the bottom are fighting for survival, so there are no gimmes. We’ll show them respect and get on with the business.”
Meanwhile, Altona Magic kept their slim state league 1 title hopes alive with 3-0 win over Cairnlea at Paisley Park after a double to Jason Hayne.
Altona City moved to within four points of the top in state league 3 with a 5-2 thrashing of Brunswick Zebras on the back of four goals to Bobby Lojanica.
Maribyrnong Greens missed a chance to go clear at the top of state league 4, drawing 3-3 with lowly Keilor Wolves to create a three-way tie on 35 points with Brimbank Stallions and Sebastopol Vikings.
At the other end, Laverton Park picked up its second win of the season in a 4-3 thriller over Truganina Hornets, with two goals to Marcelo De La Plaza-Sanchez.
Both of the Reds’ wins this season have come against the Hornets.
