By Eva Worden (@evajworden)

Moreland Zebras has defeated Bendigo City after dominating early in the match with a 4-0 victory in Round 6 at Epsom Huntly Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

Bendigo FC ‘s second spot on the ladder slipped away in front of its eyes, with Danny Charalambous’ early opener, quickly followed by Josh McMonagle-Ihasz adding to the lead and then Joel Nikolic’s brace in the second half.

At 18 minutes the first of Moreland Zebras’ goals was delivered by Charalambous in text book style, to quickly cement the visitors’ place in the match.

Just minutes later, Charlambous turned provider with a pass to McMonagle-Ihasz lwho volleyed the ball past Bendigo goalkeeper Gianmarco D’oria to double the visitors’ lead at 20 minutes.

Bendigo City intensified its pressure after the Zebras’ early lead with multiple unsuccessful attempts at goal.

D’oria was determined to go into the lead with only a two-goal deficit, keeping Moreland at bay, and in one instance, provided the spectators with an incredibly memorable diving save just minutes before half time.

Early into the second half, Nikolic caught D’Oria off his line, and took his chance, chipped the keeper to push the lead to three,.

The tension rose and a physical dispute between players from both teams almost broke out on the field.

The Zebras’ goal scoring was still on a roll, and continued, after Charalambous’ corner reached Nikolic who headed past D’Oria to make it 4-0.

Bendigo continued to fight with Corey Slevin volleying at goal, only for Moreland’s Nikola Kostadinovski to hold his effort.

Greg Thomas had one last chance to grab a consolation goal, but the visitors were far too good on this occasion and held on to not only the three points, but also a clean sheet.

Next week Bendigo City takes on Melbourne Victory at home and the Moreland Zebras plays Springvale White Eagles FC at White Eagles Stadium.

Match Details:

Bendigo City FC 0 defeated by Moreland Zebras (Charalambous 18’, McMonagle-Ihasz 20’, Nikolic 48’ & 56’) at Epsom Huntly Reserve

Bendigo City FC: 1. Gianmarco D’ORIA, 2. Riley DILLON, 3. Jordan SEETO, 4. Daniel REES, 6. Jason SHADE, 7. George McHEILEH, 8. Karl SLEVIN, 9. George SLEFENDORFAS, 10. Greg THOMAS, 11. Corey SLEVIN, (15. Godwill BASHA 67’), (17. Alex Caldow 60’), (18. Daniel PURDY 82’), 20. Finn HUZZEY,

Unused subs: 21. Prince QUANSAH, 22. Stares GILARDI

Yellow Cards: 11. Corey SLEVIN 36’, 3. Jordan SEETO 60’, 6. Jason SHADE 60’, 15. Godwill BASHA 78’, 2. Riley DILLON 85’

Red Cards: Nil

Moreland Zebras: 1. Nikola KOSTADINOVSKI, 2. Simon SYMEOY, 3. John CRIUELLI, 4. Steve MARTIN, 5. Daniel PETROV, 8. Joshua MCMONAGLE-IHASZ, 9. Joel NIKOVIC, 10. Danny CHARALAMBOUS, 12. Bradley MURRAY, (11. Bale MICOVSKI 70’) 14. James PAPADIMITRIOU, 19. James KELLY, (22. Ryan MURRAY 75'),

Unused Subs: 6. Adam CENTOFIANTI, 13. Lucas RUFFINO, 21. Alex STOJANOVSKI

Yellow Cards: 19. James KELLY 84’

Red Cards: Nil