By Chris Hearn (@ChrisHearn_)

Moreland Zebras have regained its spot at the top of the NPL 1 West table with a 2-0 win against Sunshine George Cross.

Goals either side of half time to Josh McMonagle-Ihasz and James Papadimitriou decided the contest, in what was a dominant Moreland display.

The hosts set the tone as early as the first minute. A defensive mistake by the visitors allowed Baggio Yousif in on goal, but Sunshine goalkeeper James Kapuranovski blocked the attempt.

Moreland's dominance continued, and Danny Charalambous was denied by the crossbar after he controlled a high pass and hit a looping volley all in one motion.

The hosts had assumed full control of the contest and deservedly took the lead on the half hour mark. Sunshine had numerous opportunities to clear following a free-kick, and McMonagle-Ihasz converted from six yards as the ball spilled out to him.

For the remainder of the first half, Moreland were able to attack at will, utilising the pace of James Papadimitriou and Baggio Yousif on the flanks, but their crosses were desperately defended by the Sunshine defence to stay in touch at the break.

The visitors improved after half time, as Moreland found it difficult to break through whilst conceding possession and territory to Sunshine.

However, on 55 minutes disaster struck.

Without mounting a dangerous attack of note in the 10 minutes prior, Moreland went 2-0 ahead through Papadimitriou. The attacker broke into the Sunshine area, placing a cool finish past Kapuranovski into the far corner.



The goal coincided with Moreland's improvement in the second half, with their dominance never subsiding.

Moreland had chances to add to the two-goal cushion, Yousif firing straight at Kapuranovski after Charalambous's slick pass, while the goalkeeper denied Sabidussi's effort.

The win ensures that Moreland keep pace with ladder-leaders Bulleen Lions. Sunshine remain in ninth place.

 

MATCH DETAILS

Moreland Zebras 2 (McMonagle-Ihasz 30', Papadimitriou 55') defeated Sunshine George Cross at C B Smith Reserve. (HT 1-0)

Moreland Zebras: 1. Nikola KOSTADINOVSKI, 2. Simon SYMEOY, 16. Mile Medjedovic, 6. Adam CENTOFANTI, 3. Johnny CRIVELLI, 5. Daniel PETROV, 23. Josh BERRIOS (24. Joshua SABIDUSSI 78'), 8. Josh McMONAGLE-IHASZ, 10. Danny CHARALAMBOUS, 20. Baggio YOUSIF, 14. James PAPADIMITRIOU (17. Chris TRIANTAFILOPOULOS 90')

Unused substitutes: 15. William NUTTAL, 21. Alex STOJANOVSKI, 22. Ryan MURRAY

Yellow cards: Simon Symeoy 78'


Red cards: None

 

Sunshine George Cross: 21. James KAPURANOVSKI, 3. Martin MASON, 4. Brandon SCERRI, 5. Christopher DIB, 6. Damian RASTOCIC (18. Denis DASOUL 57'), 8. Daniel HUTCHINSON, 10. Adrian LOGOZZO, 11. Anthony CASSAR, 13. Liam O'CONNELL (9. Bozidar LOJANICA 62'), 12. Chris OGHANNA (15. Amara KROMAH 75'), 19. Ayodeji OMOBOYE

Unused substitutes: 1. Jonathon HARBOGLOU, 7. Brandon ZAFFINA

Yellow cards: Damian Rastocic 30', Ayojeji Omoboye 37, Christopher Dib 87'


Red cards: None