They say there's a first time for everything.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After Warrnambool Rangers defender Chris van Rooy's slide tackle in the 39th minute was deemed a penalty, Victoria Park captain Kyle Stewart stood up to face his counterpart Cameron Pyke.
Stewart made a meal of his strike, but as the Rangers goalkeeper dived to his left, he could only look on helplessly as the ball bumbled straight down the middle into the back of the net.
"I've never had an opposition striker apologise to me for a goal after the game," Pyke joked.
But Pyke had plenty to smile about at that point, with the Rangers carving out a 4-1 victory.
Darcy Johnstone scored twice, while Ryan Bail and van Rooy also shook the net.
"It wasn't our best performance in terms of game-style, but we found a way to get goals on the board," Pyke said.
"We've got some really talented attacking players and know they can always score if given the opportunity."
Johnstone wreaked havoc upon Victoria Park's defence from the wing, but Pyke said defender Spike Pilcher was best-on-ground.
"He played a key role at left-back shutting their attacking wingers and was the most consistent performer all day," the playing-coach said.
Pyke was also impressed with the reigning premier's other new faces in Tyler Seabrook, Jacob Keilar and former under 17 player Isaac Osborn, but said there was room for improvement.
"I'm hoping we can keep our intensity up for 90 minutes because we sometimes drift out of the game," he said. "We need to make sure when guys sub onto the pitch they spark us into life."
The Rangers, currently third on the Ballarat and District Soccer Association table, will now enjoy two weeks off on a winning note.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.
