Moreland Zebras fought off a late Springvale White Eagles comeback to win its final game of the inaugural NPL1 season 3-2 at Moomba Park on Sunday.

The Zebras scored within five minutes of the first half through captain Mile Medjedovic.

The strike was inside the area after a penalty-box scramble, with Medjedovic hammered in a volley into the back of the net from a loose ball.

Moreland doubled its lead when returning youngster Danny Charalambous dribbled past his marker and cut back a cross into the path of striker Joel Nikolic, who finished expertly into the bottom-left corner.

Moreland continued its dominance of the opening half hour.

A corner found Nikolic, who headed in Moreland’s third of the first half.

The White Eagles found their groove late in the first half. After a one-two, Dejan Erakovic crossed from the right side to Josh Bowen, who rose to head in Springvale’s opener in the 36th minute.

Midway through the second half, Hamish Millar put in a cross that met Bowen, who quickly adjusted his body to strike on the half volley and into back of the net in the 58th minute to cut the deficit to one goal.

Moreland’s first attempt on goal came through Charalambous, whose set piece from deep hit the woodwork.

Springvale was equally as menacing with a quick counter attack down the right side.

Vojlslav Milojevic’s cut-back to Bowen found the marksman, but Moreland custodian Nikola Kostadinovski came up big to save the striker’s shot.

The visitors were on the ropes as Moreland hit Springvale with attack after attack.

Charalambous was wreaking havoc on the Springvale defence and after hitting the woodwork earlier in proceedings, his final meaningful contribution of the first half was a well-hit strike which again hit the woodwork.

Moreland slowed down after the halftime break, but still created chances on goal.

Springvale glove man Bojan Tomic was called upon to keep his side in the game early in the second half.

First-half goalscorer Nikolic looked to turn provider for teammate Joshua McMungle-Ihasz with a cross into his path.

However, Tomic was equal to the task, saving McMungle-Ihasz’s attempt.

Charalambous moved into a more central role, and began to dictate attacks.

The youngster cleverly put through Maximilian Gust on goal, but the first-half substitute narrowly missed the far post.

Moreland coach Danny Gnjidic was disappointed with the season but highlighted the positives – such as the performances of Charalambous.

“Good to finish with the win, but our (Moreland Zebras) year was a bit too little too late,” Gnjidic said.

“We missed him (Charalambous) when he went down injured in Round 15.

“He’s (Charalambous) shown what he’s capable of and he’s someone we can build a team around next year.”

MATCH DETAILS:

Moreland Zebras 3 (Medjedovic 4’, Nikolic 14’ 30’) defeated Springvale White Eagles 2 (Bowen 36’ 58’) at Moomba Park [HT:3-1]

Moreland Zebras: 21. Nikola Kostadinovski (GK), 15. William Nuttall, 2. Simon Symeoy (20. Christopher Triantafilopoulos, 53’), 3. Johnny Crivelli, 5. Nicholas Symeoy (22. Maximilian Gust, 36’), 7. Scott Robson (17. Adem Turcan, 65’), 12. Joshua McMungle-Ihasz, 11. Danny Charalambous, 9. Joel Nikolic, 16. Mile Medjedovic, 19. Bradley Murray

Unused substitutes: 1. Francesco Greco, 6. Lucas Ruffino

Yellow cards: Nil

Red cards: Nil

Springvale White Eagles: 1. Bojan Tomic (GK), 5. Scott Millar 6. Slavisa Saric, 8. Marcus Holmes (9. Joel Bowen, 72’) 33. Zarko Milojevic (27. Alexander Mitrovic, 85’), 14. Josh Bowen (7. Keletso Mthembu 72’), 18. Ryan Don Paul, 13. Hamish Millar, 17. Slaven Vranesevic, 19. Vojislav Milojevic, 21. Dejan Erakovic

Unused substitutes: 30. Faraz Zenoozi (GK), 35. Dragan Bajic

Yellow cards: Nil

Red cards: Nil

Image credit: Bruno Silverii