UPDATE: St Albans has kept its finals hopes alive in the Essendon District Football League with a crucial victory over Taylors Lakes on Saturday, winning by a score of 72-57. Following a disappointing loss to West Coburg, the Saints bounced back impressively, showcasing resilience and determination on the field.
This match was a must-win for St Albans, who faced an uphill battle after making 10 or 11 changes to their lineup due to injuries. Saints coach Zammy Muhtari expressed relief at the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of this win as they aim to secure a spot in the finals. “We showed a lot of character,” Muhtari stated. “We’ve been able to keep our season alive.”
The game started with St Albans taking an early lead, dominating the first three quarters and finishing the third with a 33-point advantage. Despite a strong push from Taylors Lakes in the final quarter, the Saints managed to maintain control, scoring crucial goals to secure the victory.
“It was a tough game and a good opportunity in really tricky conditions,” Muhtari added, highlighting the swirling winds that challenged both teams.
Key players for St Albans included Brandon Coletta, Jack Sims, Andre Srour, and Jacob Townsend, each scoring two goals. Sims’ performance earned him the title of best on ground, proving instrumental in the team’s success.
With this win, St Albans is now in close competition with Taylors Lakes for a finals position, remaining just behind them in the standings. Muhtari confirmed that more players are set to return from injury in the coming weeks, stating, “There’s another four or five who should get back in the side in the next fortnight.”
The Saints are determined to build on this momentum as they prepare to face Moonee Valley this Saturday in another crucial match. “Nothing changes for us; we have to keep on winning,” Muhtari affirmed.
With the stakes higher than ever, St Albans fans are rallying behind their team as they push towards the finals. Keep an eye on this developing story as the Saints aim for continued success in the final stretch of the season.
