Sunshine George Cross took all three points last night at CB Smith Reserve over the Moreland Zebras in what was proven to be a big night for the Zebras which would turn sour.
A 10th minute strike from inform 18-year-old Ilija Manojlovic was enough for the visitors to steer themselves to victory.
A massive hype was in the lead up to the game and the stage was set – a packed out CB Smith Reserve as well as the presence of former Juventus and France legend David Trezeguet. Sunshine raced out of the blocks early, however, piling the pressure on the Moreland defence.
Sunshine’s first chance resulted in a goal. Ilija Manojlovic found the back of the net on 10 minutes. A mazy run down the left side found him in a one-on-one situation inside the box with Daniel Petrov. Manojlovic brought the ball onto his non preferred right foot and nestled the ball into the top right corner, leaving Zebras custodian Stefan Sardelic with no chance and helplessly watching the ball crash into the net.
However, the Zebras would not lie down. Persistent long balls were easily dealt with by Sunshine’s Chris Grossman and Chris Dib. George Cross would soon nearly have their second goal for the night. A pin point pass from Adrian Logozzo picked out Japanese midfielder Yusei Kitade as he guided his shot past Sardelic, only for the on rushing Liam Scott to clear the ball off the line in the knick of time.
The sides went into the break with George Cross a goal to the good. After the break, Brandon Scerri was replaced by Martin Mason, who played his first senior minutes in over two months.
Zebras had most of the attacking play early and had a chance of their own. A Rinor Muriqi volley from wide was pushed away from Santilli, before being put out for a corner by Manojlovic.
10 minutes after the half, Zebras were awarded a penalty after Martin Mason was wrongly adjudged to have use his hands to header a ball away. Prolific striker Joel Nikolic stepped up and blazed his shot over the bar to Sunshine’s relief.
Free kick specialist Muriqi would come close on two occasions for Moreland, however the efforts were comfortable for Sunshine captain Robert Santilli.
The remaining 25 minutes was fairly one way, with Sunshine trying to catch the Zebras on the counter – Hernan Arredondo would come the closest when his shot from distance was tipped over the bar from the outstretched Sardelic.
The Zebras piled everything they could late, however Sunshine would come out on top as the final whistle sounded.
The win took Sunshine above Werribee for the time being, while a loss for the Zebras puts their promotion chances in limbo.
Match Details:
Moreland Zebras 0 defeated by Sunshine George Cross 1 (Ilija Manojlovic 10’) at CB Smith Reserve, Fawkner
Moreland Zebras: 21. Stefan Sardelic, 5. Daniel Petrov, 16. Mile Medjedovic (C), 23. Dean Campelj, 2. Liam Scott (7. Jonathan Munoz) , 6. Bradley Murray, 8. Joshua McMonagle-Ihasz (20. Mohammad Habib), 17. Rinor Muriqi, 11. Baggio Yousif, 12. Joshua Sabidussi (19. James Kelly), 9. Joel Nikolic.
Unused Subs: 1. Nikola Kostadinoski, 24. Milos Tosic
Sunshine George Cross: 1. Robert Santilli, 17. Ilija Manojlovic, 13. Liam O’Connell, 12. Christopher Grossman, 5. Christopher Dib, 4. Brandon Scerri (3. Martin Mason), 15. Sam McCall, 10. Adrian Logozzo (17. Dom Falla), 14. Yusei Kitade, 11. Nicolas Gonzalez, 8. Hernan Arredondo (18. Christian Nastevski)