By Tara Murray
Caroline Springs George Cross’ hot form has continued with a strong win against Banyule City in FFV state league 1 north-west on Saturday in chilly and wet conditions.
In the only game played in that division in the catch-up round, it was one that the Georgies would enjoy, winning 3-0.
It was an even first half, before the Georgies found another level in the second.
George Slefendorfas opened the scoring in the 55th minute and George Tsiakalakis doubled the lead in the 70th minute.
Rhys Saunders scored the sealer in the 75th minute.
With most teams playing at the Georgies’ new venue for the first time, they were keen to test themselves at the new state-of-the-art centre.
Georgies coach Eric Vassiliadis said he was pleased with the result.
“What I was really happy about was the way they went about it and stuck to their roles,” he said.
“They were right mentally.
“It was a cold one, but once it started we didn’t feel the weather.
“We were lucky to have a good contingent of supporters down there as well.”
Vassiliadis said any substitutions they made had instant impacts.
“We were the better side over the whole game,” he said.
“We had quite a few goals missed too.
“We were focused on the defensive end and we didn’t concede at goals at home which we were happy about.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Caroline Springs George Cross vs Banyule City
Vassiliadis said the defensive end was where they had to lift their game.
“We’re confident that we will score goals, for us it’s worrying about making sure we’re focused in the back third.”
Despite their strong recent form, the Georgies are out of promotion contention.
They sit fifth with four rounds remaining, after winning five out of their past six games.
Vassiliadis, who took over mid season and has led the form turnaround, said they had one eye on next season.
“We’ve restructured things and worked on the culture at the club,” he said.
“We’ve playing strong football and we want to go to the next level next year.
“We’ve done a lot of good work and the group has responded beautifully.
“We want to celebrate footy and give joy to our supporters, who are long suffering.”
The Georgies this week face ladder-leaders Preston Lions.
Vassiliadis said they were looking forward to the challenge.
“It’s a chance to keep our unbeaten streak at home.
“It’s a huge challenge and they are a real yardstick to test ourselves against.”
