By Brad Hutchings (@BradHutchings_)

Oakleigh Cannons remain in the race for the National Premier Leagues Victoria title with a 1-0 win over Werribee City at Galvin Park on Sunday afternoon.

The result has serious ramifications for sides in both ends of the standings with the season fast reaching its climax.

An 83rd minute goal to Dominic D’Angelo keeps the second-placed Cannons within striking distance of leaders South Melbourne for the crown with four games remaining for them in the season.

On the other end of the table the loss puts Werribee in grim position in terms of relegation, sitting third from last.

Oakleigh recorded the three points despite playing the final half an hour of the match with ten men as Dusan Bosjnak received a straight red card for a nasty tackle on Werribee skipper Milan Savic that threatened to derail the Cannons charge for the title.

Despite the differing form of both sides and being placed on opposite ends of the table, it was the home side that started stronger, dominating the opening 45.

The Bees went close to taking a shock lead inside the opening 30 seconds of the match through Simon Tolli, only for his shot to go wide of the mark.

You could have been mistaken for Werribee being the side pushing for the title as the home side pressed Oakleigh throughout the first half. 

The heavy wind that descended across Galvin Park hampered both sides all afternoon with errant passes a common theme all day.

Despite being second best in the first half, Oakleigh had a glorious opportunity to open the scoring through Nate Foster after a Daniel Petrov defensive mistake put the Cannons hitman clean on goal.

Foster however got his shot all wrong however and it went well wide of Tommy Dunn’s goal, resulting in Werribee getting away with a close call.

The half time break couldn’t have come quick enough for the Cannons as they appeared to be noticeably aggravated by the lack of opportunities coming their way.

After The Cannons regathered at the break, they proceeded to dominate Werribee in the second half, but the game hit a turning point in the 56th minute when Bosnjak was giving his marching orders for a studs-up challenge on Savic.

Both players - desperate to win possession for their side - dived in full throttle at a 50-50 ball resulting in both players colliding with each other on the touchline.

The referee however adjudged Bosnjak made contact with Savic first with his studs and had no hesitation in getting out the red card.

The loss of Bosnjak seemed to be the spark needed to revive Oakleigh who in turn went on to play their best football of the match 

The breakthrough eventually came in the 84th minute when D’Angelo’s powerful shot flew past Dunn despite the Werribee keeper getting a touch on it after Oakleigh broke free from a counter-attack.

That goal deflated Werribee, who offered very little in the remaining minutes of the game as Oakleigh went on to record the three points.

Oakleigh manager Miron Blieberg was relieved post match to get the win despite being less than pleased with the first half performance.

"We played very bad in the first half, and more disappointing was the lack of intensity," Bleiberg said.

"It was very disappointing at half time and the second half was slightly better but not much better.

"I think maybe the send-off was maybe a catalyst, it was like all if a sudden someone gave them an injection and we played with 10 men and created chances, I think we deserved it."

FULL TIME: Werribee City 0 defeated by Oakleigh Cannons 1 (D’Angelo 84’) at Galvin Park. [HT:0-0]

Werribee City: Tommy Dunn, Ryan Filipovic, Daniel Petrov (Dom Marafioti 85’), Steve Cudrig, Damir Marusic(Matt Cundari 76’), Milan Savic, Bobby Vidanoski, Anthony Ragusa(Julien Cassano 85’), Simon Tolli, Evan Batsis, Devon Bonne

Unused Subs: Robbie Naumoski, Liam Brian, 

Yellow Cards: Marusic(23’), Cudrig(43’)

Red Cards: None

Oakleigh Cannons: John Honos, Geroge, Krommidas(Dean Piemonte 57’), Aron Wilford, Adam Le Cornu, Adam Sadler (Veton Korcari 76’), Dominic D’Angelo, John Black, Andreas Govas(Ariel Ritz 64’), Dusan Bosnjak, Nate Foster, Goran Zoric

Unused Subs; Harry Raworth, Thomas Lakic

Yellow Cards: Krommidas (51’)

Red Card: Bosnjak (56’)

Image credit: Charlie Lombardo