MILDURA City captain Jacob Rodi and teammates are savouring the “special” achievement of a third consecutive S-League senior men’s title.
A brace from striker Nick Woods in City’s 2-0 win over Irymple Knights at Kenny Park on Sunday gave them an unassailable lead in the title chase, marking the first time they’ve claimed three in a row in their 50-year history.
It also cements another double for the club with the senior women’s side already having secured their championship.
“It’s the first time we’ve been able to do something like this,” Rodi said.
“Last year we went back-to-back for the first time so to make it three in a row is quite special and it’s something none of us will forget anytime soon.
“Our two teams always come to win and play hard against each other and that wasn’t any different on Sunday.
“It was a good game.”
Woods broke the deadlock of the hard-fought contest in the 39th minute after pouncing on a loose ball in the box after ricocheting off multiple players following a low cross from Dominic Ghidinelli.
After scoring with his feet, Woods used his ‘noggin’ in the 71st minute, meeting the corner kick and scoring to double City’s lead.
He was subsequently yellow-carded for peeling off his playing shirt in celebration.
City had two more major opportunities to score late in the game but were unable to capitalise.
“Nick’s been phenomenal – he can’t stop scoring,” Rodi said.
“I think he’s scored over 100 goals since 2017.
“He’s been brilliant and we’re fortunate to have him up front.”
Knights just weren’t able to find the free player in space that they were hoping for, confronted by strong City defence led by Rodi and Lukas Pedder centrally, with Sam Bozzi and Jospeh Muscatello working the flanks.
They had had arguably their best opportunity from close range in the 64th minute but a goal-line clearance from Rodi denied them.
“We’ve tried to keep our defence solid throughout the year and we’ve basically had the same four there the entire time, which has made a difference,” the skipper said.
“It also helps when we have depth on the bench and we know there’s someone there who can come on and do a job.”
The classy Donald Jerry was one of Irymple’s better performers, often clean in possession while the ball slid across a greasy deck, combative young centre-back Nathan Monteleone landed a number of monstrous defensive headers, and skipper Chris Romeo dug deep into his trick bag to find a way forward.
One more round remains of the home-and-away season before the final series gets underway.
In the other senior S-League senior men’s game, Tien Dat Nguyen scored two goals including a 63rd-minute penalty for Mildura United to secure a 2-0 victory over Three Colours.
Meanwhile, Chenoa Hunter’s incredible four goals saw her star for City’s senior women’s side as they defeated Irymple Knights 10-0.
Macaila Britton, Abbey Spain, Chelsea Pollifrone, Isabella Palamara, Lilly Pulham and Lillee Driscoll also got on the scoresheet.
