GREEN Gully Cavaliers are struggling to hold their spot in the top six after going down to the Oakleigh Cannons 2-1 on Saturday.

Green Gully’s defenders were no match against the Cannon fire of Jerry Karpeh, who dominated the ground throughout the match, finding the back of the net in both halves.

Cavaliers coach Dave Winton said it was his squad’s inability to take more chances that cost them the points.

“There were moments out there where we had control,” he said.

“We had the ball, we had a shot, but we did not have the courage.

“We played it safe by focusing on preventing Oakleigh from scoring, sacrificing several opportunities to score ourselves.

“It is time the Cavaliers started taking risks.”

Green Gully began the match superbly, moving the ball smoothly as Oakleigh struggled to find an opening.

At 10 minutes the Cavaliers’ Andy Vargas received a long pass, and tried finding a way past goalkeeper Adrian Cagalj. With Oakleigh on top of him, Vargas dived and smacked the ball goalwards with a sprawling bicycle kick. Cagalj did not need to worry about protecting his net as Vargas put too much pressure on the ball, which glided over the top.

With the ball back in play, Oakleigh let Karpeh lead its attack with his combination of speed, agility and timing. In the 14th minute Karpeh entered the goalsquare and without a moment’s hesitation fired his shot into the net.

In the 24th minute Vargas redeemed himself after this lost opportunity. Vargas and Karpeh went one-on-one for the ball, with Vargas gaining the upper hand after Karpeh lost his footing. Vargas took advantage of this respite by storming the goalsquare and this time keeping his shot low for the Cavaliers’ only goal of the match.

It took just 30 seconds for Karpew to strike in the second half.

Once again he went on a one-man rampage before striking gold from long range Caveliers goalkeeper Patric Ndongo dived but was powerless to save the match winner.

Green Gully then upped its defence to prevent Karpeh from scoring a hat-trick. At 79 minutes Karpeh attacked the net with a curling ball, but this time Ndongo was prepared and his lunge kept the ball clear. Green Gully continued to maintain a defensive strategy for the rest of the match, which prevented it from scoring an equaliser.

In other VPL results, Melbourne Knights notched up a 2-2 draw with top of the ladder Dandenong Thunder on Sunday. Frank Lagana was the dual goal scorer for the Knights.