A goal by 17-year-old sub Ajak Panek in the dying seconds earned St Albans a 1-0 win against Sunshine George Cross in National Premier League 1 on Saturday.
The win, in windy conditions at Chaplin Reserve, was the Saints third in a row and it moved them to third on the table on goal difference with four wins and one loss in five matches.
Saints general manager Joe Hovanjec said Georgies were unlucky not to score.
“They hit the post a couple of times and we cleared one ball off the goal line,” he said.
“We expected a really rough game and that’s what we got, with a lot of pressure football.
“They had more attacking opportunities and luck was on our side. It was very windy so it became an aerial game.”
Hovanjec said the injection of Panek off the bench was what got the Saints over the line.
“We brought on our 17-year-old and it was a masterstroke,” he said.
“His agility surprised them and within five minutes of coming on he scored.”
Saints are equal on 12 points with Box Hill and top-placed Avondale Heights, who they play this weekend.
“They have been winning games ugly so it will be a tough one,” Hovanjec said of Avondale..
In NPL, Green Gully returned to the winners’ list, coming from behind to beat the Goulburn Valley Suns 2-1. The Suns took the lead in the fourth minute and the Cavaliers hit back through Brent Fisher after 20 minutes.
In the second half, the Cavaliers had the best of the opportunities and sub Osagie Ederaro grabbed the winner in the 82nd minute. The Cavaliers are 11th on the 14-team ladder with two wins and four losses in their opening six matches.
