Fahrudin Hajdarevic’s goal ensured Maribyrnong overcame Laverton 3-2 and provisionally returned to second after withstanding a spirited second-half response by the leagues bottom-placed team.

Medo Suljic scored the opening two goals, both from dead ball situations. A fantastic belting free kick from the edge of the area which hit the crossbar on it’s way in, the Laverton keeper stood no chance, and he tucked his penalty away with calmness and composure, a brace from the sweeper.

Laverton provided a greater threat after the break, when they managed to nab a goal back and make it 2-1, but Maribyrnong held on to take advantage of Sebastopol’s 2-1 loss to Altona. The Greens went above their promotion rivals after the victory.

‘’We played in patches and were extremely unlucky to have a goal disallowed which would have put us 4-1 up’’. Maribyrnong midfielder and goalscorer Fahrudin Hajdarevic said “however, in the end we managed to close the game out and secure three vital points as we hunt for top spot.”

Maribyrnong seemed to have the three points wrapped up, but Laverton’s attacking confidence unsettled the guests.

On the hour, Laverton’s shot was parried by Semir Ekic, but the ball trickled into the back of the net which put Laverton back into the game without a shout.

Having spent most of the season tagged as promotion favourites, Maribyrnong now find themselves rightly regarded as underdogs. If they carry on playing as they have been – then they will have to win their last two games and hope for Brimbank and even Bell Park and Sebastopol to drop points to get promoted.

On current form, Maribyrnong and Brimbank clubs should be considered as potential promotion favourites – and if Maribyrnong look back on their last 4 games and realise what could’ve been done earlier, they’ll be licking their lips at the prospect of State 3 football next season.

After the game, we spoke to Maribyrnong Greens midfielder Johnny Volkanovski and he had this to say about the game

“In general for the game – We pretty much had full control. There were phases where we let the pressure get to us especially when we conceded 2 but we were able to cope with it”. Johnny had some kind words and thoughts on the hosts as well.

“We knew that it wasn’t going to be a walk in the park even though they don’t have much to play for. We had a lot more to lose. Regardless of their position on the table they played some good football today.”

On team morale and confidence, “The players were super happy with the result as we haven’t won in nearly a month, nor have we lost! so it was a different feeling in the change rooms after the game.” the midfielder said.

Speaking on the result, Johnny said “it should have been a lot more than what it was, we were unlucky to keep pushing when it could have been 4-1 but the goal was ruled offside. 3-1 was and is always a dangerous result as they only need 1 more goal to get back in the game, but at the end of the day a win is a win”.