By AKSHAY KAPADIA
OAK Park is a step closer to securing a finals berth after scraping home in a very low-scoring contest with Taylors Lakes on Saturday.
The Kangaroos got off the perfect start in the first quarter with a centre clearance and a throw-in inside their forward 50.
The result was soccer goal to Travis Anderson. Mark Xuereb got one back for Taylors Lakes minutes later.
Halfway through the quarter, Oak Park had a one-point lead.
The quarter was very low-scoring and accuracy wasn’t the best, with the quarter ending with Taylors Lakes on top by four points.
Scoring opportunities were hard to come by in second quarter. The first goal came towards the end, Chris Tripodi kicking his second for the game.
Oak Park hit back though, with two late quarter goals. This left Ben Chapman’s men one point behind going into the long break.
The Kangaroos finally got on top again with the first goal of the second half.
That was the only goal kicked in the quarter as both sides found it very difficult to find clean possession of the ball and use it effectively.
Both teams added up on their behind while other shots missed the target altogether.
The last quarter was more of the same as both teams had difficulty with possession and scoring.
Cameron Hare kicked Oak Park’s only goal of the last quarter, and that seemed to be enough to hold the Lions off.
Taylors Lakes pushed men forward trying to get the two goals needed for victory, but could only manage the one with five seconds left in the game.
The result means that Taylors Lakes continue their losing streak and slip down to seventh, while Oak Park hold down third spot on percentage to Tullamarine at four.
In two weeks, Oak Park will need to bring their A-Game as they travel up to Craigieburn, who are on top of the ladder.
They will need to break down the Eagles half forward line if they have any chance of stopping the flood of goals that will come.
Taylors Lakes, are at home to Hillside, who are just outside the top four.
TAYLORS LAKES | 4.9-33
Goal Kickers: C. Tripodi 3, M. Xuereb
Best Players: J. Vistarini, J. Wright, C. Tripodi, C. Ragusa, M. Morelli, F. Agresta
OAK PARK | 5.7-37
Goal Kickers: T. Anderson 2, R. Bloomfield, C. Hare, D. Clare
Best Players: M. Dalrymple, D. Campbell, E. McConnell, S. Potter, T. Anderson, S. Bryce
