By ADEM SARICAOGLU
MELTON Phoenix has a brand new trophy in the cabinet after saluting as the champion club of State League Five football on Saturday.
After claiming the State League Five West title last month the Phoenix embarked to prove themselves as the premier club of the entire division.
After handing rival Bundoora United a 7-1 belting eight days earlier, Melton went on to claim the silverware against St Kilda at Gardiners Creek Reserve, walking away with a hard-fought 2-1 win.
Star Phoenix playmaker Chris Briggs opened the account just 12 minutes into the decider and it remained 1-0 through to the half time whistle.
However it only took three minutes after the restart for Melton to strike again, with Jason Moody doubling the buffer.
St Kilda fought hard to remain in the battle and with 15 minutes remaining managed to peg one back, providing for a frantic finish.
But the Phoenix survived, holding on for a win that filled coach Theo Karapanganagiotidis with pride and “vindication” afterward.
“It was probably one of the toughest games of the year,” Karapanganagiotidis said.
“They (St Kilda) were a very good, well-balanced side, very physical and very strong but in the first half we really played well.
“But if we had taken our chances, the game would’ve been over at half time.”
Karapanganagiotidis had a strong belief his side was the clear standout of State League Five right throughout the season.
“I’ve told my guys all year that I wouldn’t want to coach any other side at this level other than Melton and that’s been vindicated,” he said.
“The guys have put in the work since January 17, and this is my first senior coaching gig as well and it’s been an unbelievable ride.
“The guys have worked really hard and they got their just reward.”
Ryan Sterritt, Mark Redman, Neil Keltie and Carlo Velasquez all drew praise from their coach for their efforts during the tense final portion of the game.
“They really threw the kitchen sink at us but credit to my guys, we withstood all of their attacks and kept on working hard and I probably had seven or eight blokes who were off their feet,” Karapanganagiotidis said.
“We got a famous win for the club.”
