It was a tale of two halves for North Sunshine Eagles in a 1-1 draw with local outfit Western Suburbs in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 1 at Larissa Reserve on Saturday.
The first 45 minutes was dull and lifeless for the Eagles, but after a half time rev-up from playing coach Ben Isai, the hosts came out with more purpose in the second half and showed the kind of football they can produce.
“The first half, from our end, the intensity wasn’t there,” Isai said.
“The second half, we definitely improved quite a bit and had numerous goal scoring opportunities, it was just unfortunate we could only get one and the winner wasn’t forthcoming.”
With North Sunshine undermanned with injury, Isai called on veteran Besnik Kutleshi to make his first start for the season.
Kutleshi had served a 12-month suspension, but was keen to come back and extend his career into his mid 30s, so he kept in tip top shape.
“It seemed like he hasn’t missed a beat from a year’s suspension,” Isai said.
Kutleshi capped a dream comeback with the equalising goal for North Sunshine.
A cross was sent in from a set piece and the ball deflected off a head to Kutleshi, who was on hand to tap it home.
“He placed it in the bottom corner like a striker would,” Isai said.
North Sunshine would not have been in touching distance of Western Suburbs had it not been for the impact of Daniel Dragovic.
Dragovic was a key driver of the Eagles attack when their backs were against the wall early in the game.
The second half saw a more even performance from the Eagles, which secured the share of the points.
North Sunshine, fifth in the league with eight points from five games, will turn its attention to Wednesday night’s FFA Cup showdown with NPL powerhouse Hume City at Broadmeadows Valley Park.
It is a big night for the Eagles, who get to test themselves against one of Victoria’s strongest teams and get the added exposure that comes with playing in the sixth round of the cup.
Elsewhere in state league 1, Keilor Park moved up to third after edging Westgate 1-0 on a Liam Brian goal, but Sydenham Park went down 2-1 to Altona East Phoenix.
Westvale moved up to mid-table in state league 2 with a 2-0 win over Essendon United, courtesy of goals to Dauda Sanni and Chris Macdonald, while Cairnlea gave a good account of itself in a 2-1 loss to top-of-the-table Hoppers Crossing.
Second-placed Brimbank Stallions rolled to a 3-0 win over Whittlesea United in state league 3.
Western Eagles won a five-goal thriller 3-2 over Surf Coast in state league 4, with Matthew Lodkowski scoring the winner from the spot in the 88th minute, his fourth goal in five games, while Balmoral was victorious 2-1 over Newmarket Phoenix after Aguek Aguek scored deep into second half stoppage time.
In state league 5, Spring Hills recorded a 1-0 road win over Melbourne Lions, thanks to a winner from Halil Hussein, while Keilor Wolves had a 2-2 draw with Moonee Valley Knights.
