It was a goal-fest at Cairnlea Park on Saturday as Cairnlea beat Altona East 6-4 in state league 1 north-west soccer.
Despite the nine ladder rungs between the two sides, the Phoenix took it up to the home team, leading 2-1 and 3-2 in the first half.
But Cairnlea was able to steady, drawing level at 3-3 going into half time before sealing the two-goal win in the second half.
Reds coach Kruni Razov was happy to come away with three points in a danger game for his side.
“All those games, when you play against the lower sides, are tough,” he said.
“Getting the three points was the aim and we did that. It wasn’t pretty and it was more of a footy score, so there are things to work on.
“It’s great to score six goals but to concede four is a bit of a concern. It was just one of those open games where everything that was touched went in.”
The win keeps Cairnlea on top of the table, with the club equal on points with Preston Lions but holding a seven-goal break on goal difference.
Cairnlea is on a six-match winning streak.
Razov said the team’s performance had created an exciting buzz around the club.
“They’re all rapt, from the players to the supporters.
“When I took over, it was more about survival and consolidating our spot in this league. To be where we are, we have probably over-achieved a little bit, but it’s great.
“It gives us something to aim for. We’re taking it a week at a time and will see what happens during the last five games.”
Cairnlea’s title credentials will face a test this week when it takes on fourth-placed Sydenham Park at Keilor Lodge Reserve on Saturday.
The last time the two sides met the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
“I’m expecting a huge game against them,” Razov said.
“If they can knock us off they are probably back in the race.
“I’m expecting them to come out all guns blazing. We will be ready for them as best we can.”
