Albury City avenged its early season loss to arch rivals Albury United with a classy 2-0 victory against the Greens at Jelbart Park on Sunday.
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Second half strikes from Patrick Brown and Mat Hasler got City over the line to provide another twist in the race for the league title.
It was a massive opportunity for United to move even closer after leaders Wangaratta suffered their first loss of the season, 3-1, at the hands of Melrose.
Scores were locked at 0-0 at the break, but both sides weren't without their fair share of chances.
United keeper Josh Fluss produced a number of quality saves to keep his side level, while Greens' star Gauthier Robin struck the crossbar from long range.
City finally got on the board five minutes into the second half when Hasler picked out Brown for the simplest of finishes.
It swung the momentum in City's favour and they did the majority of the attacking for the remainder of the contest.
The result was put beyond doubt in the 90th minute when a brilliant tackle from Isaac Read sent City into attack, with Hasler rounding Fluss to find the empty net.
Albury City coach Matt Maw was thrilled.
"I was a bit disappointed we weren't in front in the first half, but the boys stuck to the game plan," Maw said.
"Matty (Hasler) put the icing on the cake at the end, but it was really good.
"We've just got to set ourselves up for finals, the league is out of reach, but we can have a say on who wins it."
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Maw felt the work rate of his defence and midfield decided the game.
"Against a team like United, all 11 players on the park have to work, you can't have any passengers and we definitely didn't," Maw said.
"We kept their new French guy (Maxime Spazzini) quiet and 'Gucci' (Robin), who has been really good this year.
"He was causing us trouble in wide areas, but not in front of goal.
"Tylar Young was awesome again, I don't know how he backs up the way he does.
"I think he got best on ground yesterday (Saturday) for North Albury and I think he's got best on ground for us today."
Maw admitted had his side not fallen to Boomers a fortnight ago, they too would be in the hunt for the league.
United coach Steve McLennan knew it was a chance gone begging.
"Our big time players really didn't step up today and that's where it counts," he said.
"We missed out today because Melrose beat Wang."
Caleb Styles, along with Fluss, were United's best.
A tough day for United was compounded by a hamstring injury to Hudson Magerstein, while Kris Wheeler suffered a knock to the head.
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