Recruit of the year Ricky Castro is eyeing off the major individual honour after lifting his side Laverton Park to a 2-0 win over cross-town rivals Melbourne City in the derby at Merton Street on Saturday.

Castro, recruited from Werribee City in the men's state league 2 north-west, fired in a double to take his season tally to 13 goals and move to within a goal of FC Strathmore frontman Ante Kranjinovic.

The attacking midfielder put the exclamation mark on the contest with a second half thunderbolt 15 minutes from time.

"He's having a stand-out season," veteran teammate Vince De La Plaza said.

"His second was a ripper of a goal from outside the box.

"He is playing really well."

It was a game that Laverton Park yearned to win since the promotion door slammed shut on them in recent weeks.

It was a particularly emotional encounter for substitute De La Plaza as it was the last time the playing president was featuring in a Hobsons Bay derby with a South American flavour.

The two clubs have enjoyed ferocious encounters down the years due to Chilean heritage of Laverton Park and the Argentinian background of Spotswood-based Melbourne City.

Castro hit the back of the net in the 20th minute to ensure a comfortable half-time break for the home side.

The star of the show completed a memorable win with his wonder goal in the 75th minute.

A bit of Jean Cardonne fancy footwork and a couple of fine saves from Jason Curatolo and Laverton Park had 'done the double' over the arch-rivals.

"We're pretty thrilled with the win," De La Plaza said.

"It was a local derby, there was a good atmosphere and it was a great day all round."

De La Plaza moved to Australia in 1984 at the age of 12.

He was schooled at Salesian College and spent his formative years living in Noble Park.

A move west to follow his heart and marry his wife saw them move into Sunshine.

The 38-year-old's love of the world game meant a visit to Laverton Park was on he agenda where he is now one of the club's favourite sons.

"I joined the club when I was 20 so I've been there for 18 years," he said.

"In that time I've left and come back.

"There is always a good atmosphere around the place."

De La Plaza rates promotion to the state leagues for the 2008 season as the on-field highlight.

His side finished second to the North Sunshine Eagles and spent a year in state league 3 before returning.

The best memories for De La Plaza has come off the pitch.

"It's all the friendships you make playing at the club," he said. "They last for a lifetime."