Ralph Reserve a lucky charm for Western Suburbs

Picture Dennis Manktelow

Western Suburbs has been nigh on unstoppable at its Ralph Reserve home in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 1 recently.

The Suburbs’ latest victim at their Ralph Street fortress was Yarraville Glory, who they beat 2-1 on Saturday.

It was Suburbs’ fourth win on the trot at the venue, in which they have scored 10 goals and conceded just three.

It was crucial result for Suburbs in the big picture too, as it got the Terry Antoniadis-coached side back in the winners circle after two road losses.

There’s even better news for Suburbs, their next three games will also be at Ralph Reserve, starting with Sunday’s date with Essendon Royals.

The Suburbs’ win over Yarraville was secured courtesy of goals to Deng Aguek and Dale Thompson.

The Glory’s only goal was a consolation in second half stoppage time through Cam Stokes.

Western Suburbs sits in seventh place with 16 points, but only four points out of second spot.

North Sunshine Eagles is that side sitting in second spot, but they will be kicking themselves after losing ground to ladder leader Altona Magic on the back of a nil-all draw with Banyule City at Larissa Reserve.

The Magic is now a massive eight points clear on top and raging hot favourites for promotion to the National Premier League.

Sydenham Park was victorious 2-0 over Keilor Park at Keilor Lodge Reserve.

Danny Barakat scored a goal in each half for the Reds, who made it back-to-back wins.

The Reds moved up to fifth on the ladder ahead of a home showdown with Altona Magic on Saturday.

In the NPL, Green Gully has played out yet another draw, their third in a row and fifth in six games.

The Cavaliers were dead-locked 1-1 at full time against Port Melbourne Sharks at Green Gully Reserve. Dylan Smith, a mid-season transfer, scored an equaliser for the Cavs early in the second half.

Despite not having tasted victory in the league since April 29, Green Gully remains in fifth spot on the ladder.

The Cavaliers will be looking to close the gap when they host third-placed Avondale at Green Gully Reserve on Saturday evening.

The woes have continued for the St Albans Saints, losing 1-0 to Pascoe Vale on the road at C.B. Smith Reserve on Friday night.

The Saints appear to be the prime candidate for relegation.

St Albans will travel to Lakeside Stadium on Sunday to meet title contenders South Melbourne.

Melbourne Knights travelled to Kingston City on Monday night after the Star Weekly deadline.

The Knights announced the signings of Shaun Timmins, Nick Apostolopoulos, Mehdi Martin and Kamal Ibrahim during the week in a bid to turn their season around. The Eric Vassiliadis-coached Knights will host Bulleen Lions at Knights Stadium on Friday night.

In NPL2, new signing Yosuke Saito scored on debut for Sunshine George Cross in a 1-1 draw with Werribee City at Galvin Park.

The Georgies remain third last with 22 points, but still only a win away from fourth.