The boys in navy blue came into the clash down at Mahoneys Reserve on July 11 enjoying the best form in the club’s history amid an unbeaten run which stretches back to March.
This spectacular purple patch has enabled Craig Carley’s charges to launch an assault on the automatic promotion places, with long-time pacesetters Malvern City having faltered to four losses in their last five outings.
Their most recent defeat came just hours preceding the Suns’ trip down to Forest Hill, Melbourne, as they fell to a wounding 1-0 loss against Keilor Park to open up a window of opportunity for the upwardly-mobile Suns.
The Shepparton side has earned a reputation for its steadfast defensive displays on the road during the 2026 campaign, with the backline led by captain Liam Kielty having become revered for its impenetrability.
The clash against Nunawading went according to the script as the Suns were able to keep the scoreline goalless during the first half, as they waited patiently for opportunities to materialize down the opposite end of the pitch.
Speaking about his side’s solid performance in the opening 45 minutes in the state capital, coach Carley gave his assessment of his side’s showing before the interval in a post-match interview with the News.
“In possession, the message was to lower our eyes a bit as we were going a bit too long but the conditions weren’t great, there was a wind that played it’s part,” he said.
“We created many chances in that first half and on another day Laywi Niyonkuru would have had a couple of goals.
“So the message was quite clear - ‘let’s not look back on this game at the end of the season as one that got away, keep knocking on the door’.”
He also paid tribute to his defenders for their inspired performances across the 90 minutes as they provided the foundations for a famous victory.
“It’s really important to keep clean sheets and it’s something we place a lot of emphasis on with the boys,” Carley continued.
“I think it’s also a case of having the consistency of the players playing week in week out, the back four has been phenomenal.
“We’ve got Liam Kielty and Ramos at centre-half at the moment and full credit to them, they are proper defenders who clear their lines.
“We also have that ability to play too when do retain possession and having those two commanding the centre, with Bryan Nyetam-Mawo and Cailyn Trask at full back means we have some real quality.”
Following some words of wisdom from the Suns boss, his players refused to relent in their search for maximum points after the interval, with the trio of Xavier Black, Callum Horsman and Abias Bukuru introduced from the bench.
Eventually, Carley was rewarded for his brinkmanship from the dugout as substitute Bukuru proved the hero in the dying moments of the clash to spark rapturous celebrations among the travelling party.
Guaranteeing three points as they prepared for the 200km trip back up to the Goulburn Valley, this result also meant that the Suns leapfrogged Malvern at the summit of the VPL 2 for the first time this season.
Reflecting on the heroics from match-winner Bukuru, Carley expressed his delight as the strength of his wider squad was demonstrated in the best possible way en route to victory.
“Credit to the boys, it took until the 90th minute but we created 15 or 16 good attempts on goal and their goalkeeper was probably the best player on the park on the day,” he added.
“I’m rapt for Abias (Bukuru), he’s been so patient, full credit to him as he puts in 110 percent in training and games - I’m really pleased of him and proud to see him step up and get the winner.
“His effort and energy is first class, it was a fantastic header after a great counter attack.”
Next up, the Suns will hit the road once more, as they prepare to head to the Grange Reserve in Clayton South, Melbourne for the round 21 match against Kingston City on July 18 from 5.15pm.
