Though the Orangemen emerged with just one from their round 14 clash against Altona City on Saturday night, it may prove precious in the grand scheme of survival.
After all, the Suns walked onto McIvor Reserve as rank underdogs against fourth-placed City.
Before Saturday, Craig Carley’s side had amassed just one point from the previous five games - City had eight.
Yet when the full time whistle blew, the Orangemen would’ve felt slightly hard done by to have not tripled their recent tally in a game that was there for the taking.
A mix up in the Altona box during the first half saw the ball bounce off a City player and into the net to hand the Suns a 1-0 buffer.
Going ahead has been a common occurrence for the GV outfit this season, but where they’ve been stung is holding on to such a lead.
Sadly, Saturday was no different.
City restored parity courtesy of a free kick bundled in at the back post by target striker Aiden Ishak, evening the odds before half time.
Chances came and went throughout the second stanza, though the best of the lot was afforded to Suns’ winger Sean Grant with 20 or so minutes left to play.
The Orangemen were awarded a penalty and up stepped Grant to take.
Renowned for his dead-ball ability, it was going to take something special to stop it.
Unfortunately for the travellers, City custodian Patrick Cristea conjured exactly what was required with a fine save to deny Grant and keep the score locked at 1-1.
The passion-soaked match, which featured a combined 10 yellow cards, ended in a stalemate, leaving the Suns two points outside the drop zone.
Carley’s charges now prepare for this Saturday’s clash with Boroondara-Carey Eagles in the last of their seven straight away matches.
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