By ADEM SARICAOGLU
WERRIBEE City kept itself within striking distance of top billing in State League One football after beating local rival Altona Magic 1-0 at home on Sunday.
The Bees struck home the only goal of the match at Galvin Park through Julien Cassano in the 35th minute, but it could easily have been 2-0 had Milan Savic converted his penalty attempt moments before.
Werribee City sports director Georgio Pastorini admitted his side was lucky to hold onto its slender lead after Magic attacked hard for an equaliser throughout the second half.
“The game was 50-50, but I just think we were more stinging up front, that was the difference,” Pastorini said.
“In the second half, Altona tried to attack to try to level the result but they were not really penetrating, so we had a bit of luck and we were able to keep a clean sheet.”
It was the Bees’ 10th win of the year from 19 starts, and Pastorini was keen to praise coach Nino Ragusa’s handling of the club’s young charges as Werribee City prepares to embark on the new National Premier League set to kick off next season, should they qualify.
“Nino Ragusa’s doing a very good job preparing a young team, and we have the youngest team in the league,” he said.
“Therefore, this team can only be better next year and the year after that, and we’re prepared very well for the National Premier League, if we make it.”
Pastorini is confident Werribee City will be accepted into the much-talked about NPL initiative put forward by Football Federation Victoria that will announce the successful applicants in late September.
“There were only 15 applications, and I don’t see why we shouldn’t be approved,” Pastorini said.
“We have a big club behind us and we have the full support of the Italian Sports Club of Werribee and the Wyndham City Council is happy, so I don’t see how our application can be rejected.
“But, we will find out next month.”
This Saturday the Bees will hit the road to face Eastern Lions.
