VIKINGS FC’s life as a Football Federation Victoria state league club has begun with a victory in the State Knockout Cup competition.
The Vikings came from a goal down to defeat fellow FFV state league five team Brimbank 2-1 at St George’s Reserve on Saturday.
Brimbank scored in the 52nd minute with a converted penalty following a challenge in the penalty box.
However Vikings responded in the 64th minute, when Justin Robson scrambled a goal past the keeper due, in part, to the pressure the Vikings applied to the Brimbank defence.
The Vikings then went ahead in the 84th minute, when Matt Jameison was brought down in the box by the Brimbank keeper. Ryan Rykers then slotted the ball to the bottom right of the goal to see the Sebastopol outfit into the third round of the knockout competition.
“We are really pleased with the result and happy with the character shown to come from behind,” coach Michael Busija said.
“I think we deserved the win. We were the better side for most of the match.
“We dominated the first 30 minutes and could have put them away. We had a lot of opportunities without taking our chances.
“After they scored they were up and about and it was hard to score against them, but we eventually wore them down with superior fitness, I think.”
Keeper Matt Smith was solid, while central midfielder Marcus Lynch and centre back Ronnie Matten were also among the better players for the home team.
Vikings will meet Brimbank again at St George’s Reserve, in round three of the FFV state league five season.
The third round of the Knockout Cup draw is tonight.
gavin.mcgrath@fairfaxmedia.com.au
