GREEN Gully overcame some nervous moments to move into the next stage of the FFV Statewide Knockout Cup.
Facing division 2 side Keilor Park, the top division Cavaliers snuck home with a goal in the first period of extra time, winning 2-1.
Assistant coach Andy Vargas, who coached the team at the weekend, said it wasn’t the most ideal performance.
Click on the image below for our gallery of the big game.
“It was a tough game and against a neighbouring side from a lower division, who had extra motivation.
“We’ve been struggling the last couple of weeks and had two losses and had been lacking confidence.
“This is a good morale boost.”
The experience helped the side over the line.
“Most of the team has been together for the last three years, so it helps in these games.
“We are still disappointed with where we are at with our intensity, but the solid 90-minute workout was good for us.”
He said the game was an opportunity to have a look at some younger players.
“We started with the players we would normally start with.
“Ian [coach Ian Dobson] had spoken to me during the week about giving the younger players a chance.
“These sorts of games are perfect time to do this and see who stands out.
“It meant some players like myself and Roddy [Vargas] only played half a game.
Keilor Park club secretary Paul Portelli said the team put in a brave effort.
“We battled really well and just fell short in the end.
“We were the underdogs going into the match and absorbed a lot of pressure.
“We scored in at the 30-minute mark through a penalty and were able to keep them out for the first half.
“They scored at the 70th minute and both sides had chances to win the match in the last 20minutes but couldn’t take them.”
He said both sides struggled in extra time.
“Both sides were getting tired with the tough conditions.
“They were able to get the winning goal in a similar fashion to their first goal. In the end our boys played an outstanding game.”
He hoped it would hold them in good stead for the rest of the season.
“The boys are rapt and it gives them confidence that they aren’t easy-beats.”
The Cavaliers next face Dandenong in the Premier division.
“Dandenong are flying at the moment and haven’t lost a game,” Vargas said.
“We’ve had a lot of injuries and trying to get our best 11 on the pitch… I’ve been at the
club for nine years and never seen so many injuries.
“We are still thereabouts.”
Keilor Park next faces Altona City.
“It’s like another local derby” Portelli said.
“We have a friendly rivalry going on with them.”
