By MATTHEW McNAMARA

A man of the match performance from Mathew Lazarides has helped Pascoe Vale to a resounding 2-1 victory over Green Gully at CB Smith Reserve on Friday night.

Lazarides struck in the opening period before Matthew Breeze leveled for Gully with only 10 minuets remaining.

But Lazarides was the star of the show, the winner coming with 7 minutes remaining as he cut in from out wide and slotted the ball past Rani Dowisha.

The opening goal of the game saw Lazarides cleverly anticipate Daniel Jones’ backpass to Dowisha.  The left footer pinched the ball before Dowisha could get there before rounding the former Australian youth international keeper as he slotted the ball home to give Pascoe Vale the lead.

In a first half that the home side dominated they could have been further ahead when Davey Van’t Schip was sent free inside the area but the Dutchman delayed his strike to long and had his strike denied by a desperate challenge from Matthew Reid.

Gully were gathering momentum as the half drew to a close.  Matthew Saunders was first to test Alex Pavlidis, but the Pascoe Vale keeper was equal to the challenge.

The best chance for the visitors fell to winger Berkan Yurdakul, whose left footed drive just sailed wide of the post.

The second half saw chances limited for both teams, Jem Berkant was closest to scoring for Green Gully whilst Joseph Youseff looked lively for the home side.

But with 10 minutes to go Gully did find an equaliser.  After not clearning their lines from a Gully corner, Liam Scott found himself free at the back post to level the scores.

However, man of the match Lazarides stepped up moments later to give Pascoe Vale a lead they would hold onto to secure another vital three points.

Speaking after the match, Lazarides was thrilled to get on the score sheet.

“Firstly, I want to thank Vitale (Ferrante, Pascoe Vale coach), for the opportunity and believing in me.” said Lazarides.

“It was a hard fought win by all the boys, everyone dug in deep to grind out a much needed win and it was great to finally score a few goals and get the three points for the team.”

Match Details:

Pascoe Vale 2 (Lazarides 22’, 84') defeated Green Gully 1 (Breeze 80’) at CB Smith Reserve

Pascoe Vale: 35. Alexander Pavlidis, 2. Adrian Talarico, 4. Adam Nakic (12. Matthew Conversano 71’), 8. Joseph Youseff, 10. Davey Van’t Schip (7. Luca Santilli 78’), 13. Mathew Lazarides, 15. Mark Pistaninzi (3. Nathan Megic 57’), 16. Tomislav Milardovic, 18. Tom Black, 21. Michael Ferrante, 23. Jake Halliday

Unused Subs: 1. Stefaan Sardelic, 11. Connor Kass

 

Green Gully: 23. Rani Dowisha, 2. Matthew Reid, 3. Aaron Cohen, 4. Daniel Jones, 6. Jem Berkant, 7. Liam Scott, 11. Matthew Breeze, 12. Matthew Saunders, 13. Muhammed Uzumcu (9. Nikola Markovski 79’), 15. Berkan Yurdakul (8. Tomas Murphy 90’), 17. Alon Blumgart

Unused Subs: 1. Sebastian Mattei, 10. Rinor Muriqi, 16. Nathan Fox