MILDURA City have struck the first blow in their potential title battle with Irymple Knights in round five of the Football Federation Sunraysia S-League.
Striker Nicholas Woods scored a second-half brace and youngster Tenace Moraitis scored a ripper from outside the box 14 minutes in to secure a 3-0 win for City at Kenny Park.
City, who have won the past three titles, and Knights again look to be the top two sides in the senior men’s division and were both undefeated coming into the first of three match-ups between them this home-and-away season.
Co-coach Jacob Rodi lauded his side’s performance during the clean-sheet victory.
“It was a very good result,” Rodi said.
“Every one of our players on the park did well – I couldn’t fault anyone’s efforts.
“It’s always good to keep a clean sheet.
“Getting the win is the main priority but getting a clean sheet is a nice bonus on top of that.
“There periods of the game where we were definitely having to defend for a long period of time but we managed to hold together pretty well.
“Both teams had a few chances. We couldn’t convert, but that’s just the way the game goes.”
Rodi praised young midfielder Moraitis, whose half-volley conversion marked his fourth goal in four games.
“Tenace has been really good,” he said.
“We’ve always seen that he has so much talent and potential and has been training with us for a number of years now.
“I think his performances so far this year, alongside a number of other younger guys, show they’re capable of taking this team forward.”
In the other senior men’s game, Nichols Point secured their second consecutive victory with a 1-0 result over Mildura United at Soccer Park.
After scores were locked nil-all at the break, Daniel Frietag scored three minutes into the second half to earn the three points and third place on the ladder.
City also won 3-0 over Knights in the senior women’s clash, with Sophie Lim and Chenoa Hunter scoring in the first half before Isabella Palamara iced the game in the final minutes.
S-League will take a two-week hiatus ahead of FFS hosting the Victorian Country Leagues Football Association Country Championships over the King’s Birthday long weekend.
