By Katie Lambeski

 

Moreland City FC’s 2015 Playstation 4 NPL1 West Victoria season ended on a high note with a 2-0 win over the season’s champions FC Bulleen Lions at Campbell Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

 

Second half goals from substitutes Liam Francis and Casey Thomas saw the home side to a deserved win.

 

Moreland had the visitors on the back foot early, with Lisandro Paz beating his marker inside the penalty area to fire off a half-volley, but was denied by a block from Bulleen defender Samuel Borghese.

 

Chances were few and far between from then on, with the Lions’ Billy Romas having the best chance for the visitors at the 25th minute, his shot from close range forcing City custodian Brendon Galgano into a fine parried save. Paz had another opportunity for Moreland in the dying moments of the opening half, leaping on to a cross from the right flank from Osman Kose, his looping header was saved by Bulleen goalkeeper Luke Gallo, ensuring the scores were level at the break.

 

Momentum see-sawed in the second half as play began to open up, with both sides having chances to open the scoring, but falling just short with the final ball in to attack. Play bounced from end-to-end but the the introduction of forward Liam Francis on the hour mark paid off Moreland. Francis opened the scoring at the 67th after seizing on to a through pass from midfield, leaving him to chip over an oncoming Gallo to give City the lead.

 

The goal set up a tense finale, but the Moreland defense could not be moved, seeing off the Lions, who mounted a final charge but to no avail. A goal with a minute of normal time left sealed the result, with another sub in Casey Thomas making an impact by slamming a shot to the back of the net from close range to ensure a dream end to season 2015.

 

MATCH DETAILS:

Moreland City FC 2 (Francis 67’, Thomas 90’) defeated Bulleen Lions 0 at Campbell Reserve. (HT 0-0)

 

Moreland City FC: 1. Brandon GALGANO, 2. Yan TOU-YENG, 21. Neged SAHIN, 5. Yanni ASANIDIS, 18. Orry KARA, 12. Shane CARR, 8. Corey THOMAS, 4. Quinn MCDONALD (10. Liam FRANCIS 57’), 17. Liam BRIAN (14. Casey THOMAS 57’), 9. Lisandro PAZ, 7. Osman KOSE (11. Alex PETROVSKI 78’)

 

Unused subs: 16. Nathan GORZOLOS,  01. Harris GEDIK

 

Yellow cards: McDonald (31’), Francis (82’)

 

FC Bulleen Lions: 41. Luke GALLO, 3. Will ABBOTT, 4. Samuel BORGHESE, 5. Lewis WADDELL, 8. Matteo BALLAN (9. Sayeed REZA HUSSAINI 60’), 11. Gianni DENITIS (6. Bardi HYSOLI 60’), 13. Dean LORENZI, 15. Billy ROMAS, 20. Andrew MULLETT, 31. Dylan BRESOLIN (23. Edison PONARI 60’), 33. Davide CARDAMONE

 

Unused subs: 21. Stefan SARDELIC, 16. Matt DIMECH.

 

Yellow cards: Cardamone (55’), Waddell (86’), Mullett (90+2’)