Nick Nugent returned from injury with a bang, coming on at half time to help Bell Park to a dominant victory.
Despite completely dominating proceedings in the opening 45 minutes at Gisborne’s Dixon Field Reserve, the visitors were unable to find the back of the net and scores were locked 0-0 at the interval.
Nugent, who missed the last four weeks through injury, came on at the half time break and scored all three of his goals in a second half blitzkrieg.
Jeremy Jurcic scored. Picture: Mark Wilson
Jeremy Jurcic and Nugent’s fellow half time substitute, Joseph Prpic, both netted singles apiece in Park’s second half goalfest.
After the game, Bell Park coach Michael Spasevski was understandably pleased with his team’s overall performance.
“I was very happy with the win today, mainly because it was a good performance by the entire team,” he said.
Apart from the goals scored, Nugent also missed a penalty at 2-0 up and the desperate Gisborne defence were called on to clear the ball off their goal line on several occasions.
The much needed victory sees the All Whites propelled to eighth spot on the ladder, at the halfway mark of the season – well away from the relegation zone.
“It gives us confidence going into the second half of the season with a full squad again, after carrying a number of injuries for a few weeks,” continued Spasevski.
“Our goal for the remainder of the year is to be more consistent.
Spasevski added that Bell Park have had the opportunity to win more games this year, but have failed to hold on when in winning positions.
“If we can compete for the entire 90 minutes, we should be able to earn more points in the second half of the season,” promised Spasevski.
Also in State League 4 action on the weekend, Surf Coast jumped into third spot following an equally emphatic 4-0 win over Melbourne City at Banyul Warri Reserve in Torquay North.
The league’s leading goalscorer, John Pykett, netted a brace to take his season’s tally to 17 goals, while fellow attacker Christian Mahon also scored a double.
Barwon SC, meanwhile, was held to a 2-2 draw by ninth-placed Spring Hills away from home.
On Saturday, Bell Park will host Surf Coast in a highly anticipated local derby at the Bell Park Sports Club.