TUMBLEWEED and crickets were just about all that was on show at most western suburbs soccer venues on Saturday.
The ‘closed for business’ signs were erected because of unplayable conditions caused by Friday’s wintry blast.
One game that went ahead saw Keilor Park overcome Fitzroy City 2-1 in a tight tussle in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 2.
The Parkers played the full 90 minutes without a fuss because of their synthetic pitch.
“It was excellent. The rain came down, it was a cold and dark afternoon, but it was not a problem,” Parkers coach Anthony Sacco told the Weekly.
“You can thank the council for the synthetic pitch.”
The Parkers had the lion’s share of possession in the first half but little to show for it.
They went into the break trailing by a goal, but Sacco’s only order to his players was to have patience.
“We had the majority of the play, but they pinched one on the break,” he said.
“We were disappointed to concede the goal, a scrappy one to concede, but we had domination.
“We just had to believe that our philosophy and our structure was sound, keep our heads and not be negative, keep playing and being patient and show why we are where we are in the standings.”
The Parkers’ patience was rewarded with a goal just five minutes into the second half.
Atef El Dib built up the play, delivered to the dangerous Sean Sacco, who in turn found Michael Esposito at the far post with a pinpoint cross for an equalising tap in.
After piling on the pressure for most of the second half, the Parkers eventually found a winner through super sub Steve Manceski.
It was a perfect way for Manceski to cap his first senior game back since a 14-month recovery from a knee reconstruction.
“He came on as a sub and did well to take the ball off the keeper, go around him and just slide it in,” Sacco said. “It was a bit of a dream for him actually, being so long out of the game.”
Reno Damianou was best for the Parkers with his industrious runs in a wide midfield position.
Bobbie Gagovski and Daniel Commisso bullied the visitors in central midfield.
The second-placed Parkers moved to within one point of ladder leader Moreland City, who have a game in hand.
In state league 5, promotion-chasing Brimbank Stallions beat Keilor Wolves at Green Gully Reserve.
