Image: Eastern Lions
The narrative took a massive turn in NPL2 East as an inspired Philip Ajao propelled Eastern Lions to a 4-1 upset over Dandenong Thunder, and with Kingston City defeating Goulburn Valley Suns it means City take pole position for the first time this season.
Thunder now occupy second place, but with a round remaining there are still no certainties in the title race.
Elsewhere this round, Brunswick City’s strong run came to an end against Box Hill United, Murray United secured a second consecutive result with a draw against Springvale White Eagles, while Dandenong City saw off Nunawading City.
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In a month where the enigmatic Lions lost to Murray United and then defeated Thunder, the 4-1 result was headlined by
Ajao scoring a first half hat-trick to double his goal tally for the season from three to six.
His first came via a finish from close range after a run into the box and cutback by Chris Droutsas.
Kristian Sarkies was able to equalise via a set piece when his powerful free kick was deflected in after half an hour.
Ajao’s second restored the lead and was also a result of good play down the right wing when Jhoan Barrero’s run and delivery eventually was bundled in by the forward.
The third was scored from the spot not long before half time – a Ryan Losty through ball found Droutsas, who was fouled by Fraser Maclaren and converted by Ajao.
Barrero then scored in the second half from a corner to seal the win and a solid final month for Easter despite the slip up to Murray.
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At the Grange, the result was much more low-key as just the one goal was enough to secure top spot via a 1-0 win.
Two of Kingston’s most dangerous performers sealed the result as Velibor Mitrovic’s turn in the box and delivery found Zdenek Koukal who made no mistake with the finish in the 34th minute.
That’s the way the result stayed as the hosts’ backline were able to secure a clean sheet and the three points.
Kingston now face have a tough trip to Brunswick City despite the Spartans losing this week, while the Thunder will host Springvale White Eagles – a draw will be enough for Kingston to seal the East title and automatic promotion.
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The White Eagles were unable to take all three points at home as Murray clocked up over 8000 kilometres travelled for the year, twice coming back to secure a 2-2 draw.
It was a good start for the hosts as a ball delivered across the six yard box was tapped in by Isaiah Joseph.
Geoffry Lino however equalised proceedings with a tap in of his own on the stroke of half time as both sides went into the rooms at 1-1.
Springvale were back in front not long after the restart via Damir Stoilovic’s 16th goal of the season, capping off a fantastic campaign for the young attacker.
However the lead was again short lived when in the 70th minute Gradi Masudi put Zac Walker through on goal, who slipped his shot under the keeper for his eighth strike of the campaign, with the scores eventually staying at 2-2.
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Box Hill United defeated Brunswick City with a 2-1 win at Wembley Park to end City’s incredible 12-game unbeaten run.
All goals came in the second stanza as both sides went into the sheds scoreless at half time.
In the 51st minute Kobbie Boahene pounced on a failed clearance and propelled his side into the lead.
Adam Wright equalised after converting his penalty won by Juan Portillo, netting his 16th of the campaign to equalise.
Ben Osei-Safo ultimately scored the winner when he was played in and scored from a tight angle.
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Dandenong City wrapped up the round with a 4-1 victory over Nunawading City at Mahoney’s Reserve, their first win in four.
A brace to Shaun Filipovic – his first of his career, Gonzalo Freddi’s 10th goal of the campaign and Welshman Ross Frame’s fourth goals since moving from Oakleigh mid-season made up City’s scoresheet.
Sam Antoniadis netted the solitary goal for Nunawading, scoring against his brother Chris’ club, but it wasn’t enough to help his side salvage any result.