Sterjovski bids farewell to Lalor United

Lalor United are bidding farewell to two-time champions coach Tony Sterjovski.

The club from the FV state league 2 in the northwest announced on Sunday that Sterjovski would step down as coach.

“Lalor United would like to announce that our senior coach Tony Sterjovski has decided to step down with immediate effect after eight fantastic seasons,” the club said on social media.

“Tony joined Sloga in November 2016, straight after a successful playing career.

“Tony wasted no time in assembling an experienced team to start his coaching career, and during the 2018 and 2019 championships Tony completed his first goals on the pitch.

“After Covid, Tony and the club shifted their focus to youth, with many young people being given opportunities to progress to senior level under Tony’s leadership.

“In the 2022 season, Tony was confident of fielding 17 players between the ages of 16 and 21. Most of these youngsters are currently still seniors at Sloga.

“Lalor United Sloga will be eternally grateful to Tony Sterjovski for his dedication and efforts over the past eight years.”

The club’s Facebook post was filled with comments thanking Sterjovski for his time at the club, with many saying that the club wouldn’t be where it is today without him.

Sterjovski ended his time at Lalor United with a 3-1 defeat to Whittlesea Ranges on Friday night.

The score was 2-1 at half time, but in the second half the Ranges scored the decisive goal.

Egusa Shiera was the goalscorer for Lalor.

After 16 rounds, Lalor is in eighth place with a record of 6-1-9.

Whittlesea Ranges moved up to second place with the win, with only goal difference separating the Ranges from Westvale Olympic in the battle for the second promotion spot.

Lalor play Hume United this Saturday afternoon.

Hume is coming from a 2-2 draw with Albion Rovers, with Rovers leading 1-0 at half-time.

Solomon Sunray Constant scored both goals for Hume.

Hume is ninth with five wins this season.

In other results, Craigieburn City did their hopes of staying in State League 2 North West no harm.

Craigieburn played bottom side Hoppers Crossing, with an eight point difference between the two teams.

Craigieburn led 2-1 at half-time, but the Reds equalised in the second half.

Neither team could find a winner and the match ended 2-2.

Craigieburn still sits third from bottom.

The match between Uni Hill Eagles and Mill Park has been rescheduled for the catch-up round on August 3.

In the State League 3 North West, Bundoora United drew 2-2 with Sunbury United, while Epping City’s match against Heidelberg United has been postponed.