By JARROD POTTER
NPL1 – ROUND 15
A MAGNIFICENT first half was enough for Dandenong City to brush aside regional powerhouse Murray United in a 3-2 triumph.
With limited soccer action around Greater Dandenong on Saturday, all eyes focused on Frank Holohan Soccer Complex to witness City grind out a win following a second-half capitulation.
The first half left most believing the match would be a one-sided thrashing as City’s Dario Matkovic and Chris Antoniadis combined to slot three goals in the first 25 minutes.
Matkovic in particular impressed with a beguiling free kick that flew past Murray keeper Nathan Brown.
While the early action belonged to the Dandy boys, Murray didn’t throw in the towel and generated a number of chances approaching the half.
A 3-0 lead at the main break should have seen Dandenong City home comfortably, but City failed to capitalise on its opportunities, and as the shadows grew longer, Murray’s resolve grew stronger.
Murray slotted two goals in 20 minutes to get back within one of City.
No matter who was shooting, whether Ash Cattermole, Keegan Ziada or first-half star Matkovic, City could not pierce the net again and had to scramble to retain the three points.
In the end Murray’s efforts were in vain as Dandenong City held on by the skin of its teeth – led by the backmen Chris Sanita and Chris Ross – to take the one-goal triumph.
“We made life tough for ourselves,” Dandenong City coach Aaron Healey said.
“The super first half we scored three goals and then you’re three goals up – but we didn’t take our chances in the second half.
“We were probably able to get a few players up today that were a bit sore – we’ve played three games in seven days last week.
“It was a pleasing performance in the first half; second half that’s what happens when you don’t take your opportunities.”
The win keeps Dandenong City near the top of the NPL1 East ladder and in contention for promotion to NPL. City will host St Albans Saints on Saturday from 3pm.
Dandenong Thunder will host South Melbourne on Saturday evening while Springvale White Eagles will travel to Moreland City on Saturday.
