FOOTBALL - NSW NPL
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With each passing challenge, South Coast Wolves rise to the next level.
Needing a win to keep the finals hopes alive, Jacob Timpano's men fought back from a goal down to register a pivotal 3-1 win over Rockdale City Suns on Sunday evening.
Jordan Murray rammed home two decisive second-half goals to propel the Wolves to three crucial competition points.
It moves them just one point out of the top-five, behind both the Suns and Manly United, who they meet at home next week.
Another win would see them jump United and leave the Suns and Blacktown Spartans as the only likely contenders for the Wolves' finals bid.
The Spartans face matches against the top-two teams while the Suns meet Parramatta and third-placed Bonnyrigg White Eagles to round out their campaign.
"It is in our hands a bit because, if we win next week, we are well in contention. I think two wins will almost get us the finals spot," coach Jacob Timpano said.
"With the form and the attitude the players are showing, we are a good chance."
Pre-match, the Wolves gave themselves the chance of ending the Suns' six-match unbeaten run.
Rockdale led early courtesy of a Marko Jesic penalty but were pegged back in the 37th minute when Sam Matthews tapped in.
The match turned in South Coast's favour with 15 minutes remaining after Steven Hesketh was sent-off for a foul in the box.
Murray stepped up from the penalty spot and scored from his second attempt.
He put the game to bed shortly after when he followed up on Peter Simonski's saved attempt.
"The boys responded in the second half and started to run Rockdale around. We wore them down and put them on the back foot," Timpano said.
"We got our reward with the penalty. In the second half we were totally deserving of the goals we scored."
The victory was soured, however, by the impending suspensions of Zac MacKenzie and David Stojic.
Stojic was red-carded in added time for dissent, while MacKenzie picked up his fifth yellow.
South Coast play both of their last two matches at home, with their final fixture against Marconi shaping as a huge encounter.