WILLIAMSTOWN snared a point on the road at the expense of Hoppers Crossing Reds after its best defensive performance of the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 4 west season.
In a game of few clearcut chances, the two middle-of-the-road sides finished in a nil-all stalemate at Grange Reserve on Saturday.
PICTURE GALLERY: Williamstown v Hoppers Crossing
Blues coach James Pete was frustrated not to turn a succession of “half chances” and a late run of five consecutive corners into a goal, but he saw real progress in a defensive structure that has looked fragile at times this season.
“I think the draw was probably a fair result,” he said. “Both teams defended really well. At times, we played really good football, but we couldn’t put the ball away.”
Chances fell at the feet of Blues strikers Cameron Webb and Isaac Kenyi, but time and again they were denied by Reds in form goalkeeper Lee Elmore.
Right-back Luke Dyt threatened to break the deadlock when he unleashed a 30-metre pile-driver destined for the top corner, only to be denied.
“It was a fierce shot but an equally good save,” Pete said.
“For me, their goalkeeper [Elmore] was man of the match – he really earned his crust.”
Consistent Blues captain David Gazzard was outstanding at the back, while Dyt thrived on his chance at first team action to get into the votes.
The talk of the training track will be the form of young defender Callum Caiger.
The 16-year-old has not looked out of place since his elevation. “He’s been playing seniors for the last four weeks, but it’s like he’s been playing for the last four years,” Pete said.
“He really has a smart football brain, is super-composed on the ball and hard in the tackle, and he distributes really well.
“He’s looking like a player with a bright future.”
The Blues, sixth on the ladder with 19 points, are aiming for a top-four finish.
Elsewhere, Altona Magic had a 0-0 draw with top side Heidelberg United, but neither side lost ground as all teams in the state league 1 top five drew or lost.
Altona East Phoenix carved out a 1-0 win over Ballarat Red Devils on the road in state league 2.
Yarraville Glory fell further away in the promotion pace with a costly 3-1 loss to Sunbury United in state league 3, while Altona City was beaten 3-1 at Moreland United.
Maribyrnong Greens boosted its state league 4 survival prospects with a 2-1 win away to Strathmore.
Altona North kept its state league 5 promotion dream alive with an excellent 4-1 away win over Sebastopol Vikings after goals to Daniel Vetrone (two), Jerobeam Damons and Matthew Aspiotis.
