By ADEM SARICAOGLU
WERRIBEE City came to Somers Street and conquered in-form National Premier Leagues giant Melbourne Knights on Sunday.
City had the better of the Knights in the first half but the game remained deadlocked at 0-0 at the interval.
However it was the host who struck first in the 53rd minute, with James McGarry getting on the end of a Shayan Alinejad cross and gliding in a classy header.
As the hour-mark ticked by it seemed the Bees were losing grip of the contest, but the Knights couldn’t find a second goal despite some juicy chances.
As the match entered its final phase Werribee City’s attack led to opportunities of its own and soon enough an equaliser was in the book, with defender Steve Cudrig slamming home in the 84th minute.
Two minutes later City’s Ryan Filipovic was brought down on the edge of the penalty box, forcing the referee to point to the spot.
Filipovic eased the ball through to complete the Bees’ stunning turnaround, sealing a stirring 2-1 win that sent the travelling City fans into rapture.
Coach Nino Ragusa said shortly afterward his side was stung into action after the McGarry goal.
“Our first half was quite good but it was really a knife-edged game,” Ragusa said.
“I always knew there was going to be a little moment one way or the other and (the Knights) scoring actually just made us open up.
“It was an even game. We matched it with them right across the park but their goal triggered us to making moves.
“But you don’t want to do that every week.”
Ragusa was pleased with the even contribution of his entire squad, but was particularly impressed with Cudrig’s feats at both ends of the park.
“I think Steve at the back in the last two weeks has been excellent,” Ragusa said
“Not only is he doing the job at the back but he’s actually scored two weeks in a row.”
Also good was goalkeeper Thomas Dunn, who made a crucial save one-on-one with Knights star Marijan Cvitkovic in the 72nd minute.
“I think he’s been one of the significant improvements during the course of this year so far,” Ragusa said of his keeper.
City improved its record to 2-1 and will host Bentleigh Greens this Sunday.
