GV Suns suffered a 5-2 home defeat to North Geelong Warriors on Saturday night.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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Goulburn Valley Suns have flashed their attacking teeth in patches this season, but a recent latency in front of goal has led to flecks of rot growing on their aggregate heading into the pointy end of the season.
The Suns shipped five goals during Saturday’s loss to North Geelong Warriors in round 17 of the Victorian Premier League Two at McEwen Reserve, whacked by a second half barrage they never recovered from.
Saturday’s loss keeps the Suns locked in sixth, but the difference in finishing edge between the sides was clear in coach Craig Carley’s eyes.
GV Suns' Brandon Giaccherini and Matthew Lelliott slap hands after a goal.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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GV Suns' Liam Kielty drops to his knees after a North Geelong goal.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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GV Suns' Christian Ntambwe slides into a heavy challenge.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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GV Suns' Callum Schorah slots a pass through to the forward line.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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GV Suns' Matthew Lelliott keeps things ticking in the guts.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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GV Suns' Danny Edwards takes a knee to regain his breath.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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GV Suns' Hideyuki Ochi looks to pick out a pass.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“I thought we were competitive enough; I don’t think the final scoreline was a true reflection of the actual game,” he said.
“But all credit to North Geelong, I thought they were very industrious, clinical and every time they went forward it looked like they were going to create something or score.
“I guess that’s the difference from a mid-table side to a top one or two side.”
North Geelong went into Saturday’s match as the competition’s crack team, having won six on the spin before touching down at McEwen Reserve.
The Suns were able to restrain the Warriors for the opening half hour, but shortly after, Sonny Brimmer was allowed through to put the visitors a goal to the good.
At the half, 1-0 down, all was to play for.
However, Brimmer soon snuffed out the Suns’ flame, scoring twice in six minutes to complete his hat-trick and steer the Warriors into a cushy 3-0 lead.
Carley went to his bench in the 55th minute and made a bold quintuple substitution and it soon paid dividends as Brandon Giaccherini pulled one back on the hour mark.
The winger-turned-striker netted once again for the Suns, but two more North Geelong strikes stamped a 5-2 loss and a night to forget at the Theatre of Dreams.
Carley took a silver lining away from the match, though, lauding his super sub’s contribution which takes him to seven goals for the season.
“’Brando’ has been different class for about two months, since he’s gone up front, it’s like he’s got a new lease on life up there,” Carley said.
“He’s been nursing a bit of an injury which is why he didn’t start and why he missed the game against Eltham last week.
“But he’s been unbelievable for us, so hopefully that scoring form continues and he can keep improving as that niggle starts to loosen off.”
The Orangemen desperately need a form swing, and fast.
Games against fellow mid-table occupants Nunawading City and Springvale White Eagles loom in the next three weeks and Carley’s hopes of a promotion tilt via the play-offs may well be confirmed or crushed in the next block of football.
“Over the course of a home and away season, I don’t think the league table lies,” Carley said.
“We’ve got to be better than the teams in and around us and I think we’re more than capable, it’s just finding that consistency and having that ruthless streak in front of goal.”
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