Green Gully got the better of cross-town rival Melbourne Knights 1-0 in National Premier League soccer on Saturday.
After a tough first half in which neither team was able to score, the Cavaliers broke the deadlock shortly after the break.
Rodrigo Vargas proved the man for the job, putting a cross from his brother Andy into the back of the net.
Despite Green Gully having several chances to increase its lead, one goal proved to be all that was needed.
Cavs coach Slobode Stojcevski praised his side’s even performance.
“I think what was really impressive was how many contributors there were,” he said. “Our young guys were really good, in terms of their running power and combining with our experienced players.
“Our defence, time and time again, blocked shots and our midfielders were going box to box to support our defence and create numerous opportunities for our forwards.
‘‘Our forwards didn’t get on the scoresheet but they put themselves in fantastic positions.
“As a coach that is what you want. You don’t want to rely on one individual to win you a game.”
The win was the second in a row for the Cavaliers, who beat Hume City 3-0 in round 10. Green Gully has improved its win-loss record to 5-6.
After taking over as head coach last month, Stojcevski said he was happy to see his side put consecutive wins together.
“Certainly the team is moving in the right direction in terms of how we are playing, how we are combining with teammates and our approach on the ground as a unit,” Stojcevski said.
“We have some fantastic players at the club and I think they just needed to believe in themselves a bit more. That is happening now, which is great.”
Green Gully has a busy schedule for the next week with a midweek Dockerty Cup match, also against the Melbourne Knights, and a home game against Northcote to contend with.
