Vikings registered a 2-0 victory in its FFV state league three west clash – and now moves four points clear of third, which was Saturday’s opponent.

However, the fifth and sixth-placed sides are five points behind Vikings with a game in hand. Second to sixth is continuing to be a fierce battle as ladder leader Epping City remains well clear.

Vikings also welcomed back coach Corey Smith for the match, who has at the World Cup for the last seven weeks.

The side kept its pre-game routine the way it has been for the last seven weeks, but once the first whistle blew, Smith resumed to his duties as head coach.

Smith felt it was a commanding 2-0 display.

“It was a pretty dominant 2-0 win really, 2-0 was a fair result but from my perspective I didn’t feel like we were under too much pressure,” Smith said.

“I think if there was going to be more goals, they were going to come from us.

“We performed well across the park, I don’t think it was an exceptional performance, but it was certainly a good performance.

“I thought we controlled all the key moments.”

It was the Vikings’ newest recruit that opened up the side’s account after 21 minutes, Blair Marshall finding the back of the net for his first goal in Vikings colours.

The goal-scorer substituted shortly after, tweaking his hamstring.

With eight minutes left in the match, Kuanyjal Tuany set-up Dejan Mitrovic for the sealer.

Smith said it was great to be back and praised the work of those who have lifted in his absence, while he said the drive of the playing group could not be understated.

“It was difficult watching the team from abroad. It was obviously a lifelong dream to go to the World Cup and I loved every second of it, but having my team back here was difficult.

“When they were winning it was really easy, but when we had that shaky start it was really difficult being away.

“The guys who took over the team did a fantastic job, all credit to them and all credit to the players.”

Vikings face three bottom four sides over the next four rounds – as well as Epping City – ahead of what Smith’s feels could be a defining final fortnight against top four contenders Moreland and Sunbury.

“If we can stay on track, those last two games of the season could be huge.”