Rockdale Ilinden have given former star midfielder Idriss El Hafiane, who passed away earlier this year, a fitting send-off as they cruised to a 4-0 win against Wollongong Wolves at Ilinden Sports Centre as the phrase #NoDrizzyNoParty was in full force watching from above.
It was a frenetic start to the clash with several half-chances created.
The lively Alec Urosevski came closest for Ilinden with a scuffed shot straight at Wolves gloveman Munford.
Wollongong conceded a penalty in the 12th minute firmly despatched by Urosevski to give Rockdale the lead.
The home side doubled its lead midway through the half when Kyle Cementi bundled the ball home.
Tomoki Wada came close to lobbing an attempt over Munford but it was tipped over the bar.
Brilliant defence kept the two-goal lead for Rockdale as Wollongong piled on the pressure but with no addition to the scoring.
There was no let-up after the break as Urosevski added his second of the match, and Rockdale's third, in the 81st minute that finally settled the match.
An ecstatic Ilinden coach, Steve Zoric praised the high-level performance put on by his players.
"I can't put into words what the boys did today," he said. "They put a showcase on for the fans and if we produce that week-in, week-out it'll be hard to stop us.
"We knew Wollongong would keep coming at us and I told the guys that if we wait for those moments we can hurt them but everyone was alert today. I feel we've stepped up a gear on where we were last year."
Finn Coleman
I understand the importance of community news in highlighting stories that members of local communities care about - including events, businesses, sports and the people that make towns unique. Email me at finn.coleman@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0437 550 909
I understand the importance of community news in highlighting stories that members of local communities care about - including events, businesses, sports and the people that make towns unique. Email me at finn.coleman@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0437 550 909
