By: Ryan REYNOLDS

(Article reproduced courtesy of the Geelong Advertiser)

FC LEOPOLD will be looking to take the momentum gained from a historic week into Sunday’s clash with Surf Coast. The growing club claimed its first Geelong Region Men's Division 1 victory last weekend in its 4-2 win over Lara, giving it hope it can move off the bottom of the ladder by the end of the season.

PHOTO: Action from a recent Men's Division 1 game between Surf Coast and Lara United (Picture: Rebecca Horrocks)

Leopold had managed two draws in its debut season before last week’s win.

But with clashes against ninth-placed Surf Coast and eighth-placed Barwon Heads in the next two weeks, Leopold could not have hit form at a better time.

“We are hyped heading into the next three weeks, playing teams we are capable of beating ,” coach Patrick Carey said.

“That’s the intention (stringing back-to-back wins together). But it’s going to take a team performance.”

Carey said the return of defensive pairing Kym Pettig and Jake Armstrong had helped shore up Leopold at the back.

They played a crucial role in the win over United.

With Leopold leading Lara 3-2 , goalkeeper Rohit Asokan made a big save to deny United from the penalty spot.

It turned out to be a matchwinning save with Leopold going on to score the sealer.

Carey said the three points was a reward for all the hours of hard work put in by those on and off the pitch.

“It’s been a pretty tough season, but the guys really deserved it,” he said.

In other men’s games this week, Deakin must cause an upset over Barwon tonight to keep pressure on the competition’s top four.

Lara has a chance to bounce back against Barwon Heads at home on Sunday.

Breakwater and Surfside do battle, while Drysdale hosts Rangers.

In the women’s division, Barwon Heads hosts Kardinia International College tonight.

Deakin hosts Barwon, league leader Drysdale tackles Surfside and Geelong does battle with Surf Coast.