By Tara Murray
Melton Phoenix is back on the win list thanks to a much-improved performance in FFV state league 5 west, downing Ballarat 3-0.
Having not notched up a victory since round three, the Phoenix players were keen to turn their form around.
Phoenix coach Mark Parnis said a couple of little changes paid off.
He said they had been able to dominate some games in recent weeks, but had been unable to convert on the scoreboard.
“We changed the approach a little bit in the last couple of weeks,” Parnis said. “We didn’t really change the structures.
“We changed the personnel. We gave some of the younger players a rest, as we didn’t want to destroy them.
“It took a few weeks for the senior players to get some fitness. The depth in the club is starting to show.”
Parnis was thrilled with how the side played for most of the match against Ballarat.
He said the players were switched on from the start and it showed.
“They were determined to get the three points,” he said.
“We were good with the ball and didn’t waste too many opportunities.
“We switched the ball quite well and took the game to Ballarat and they didn’t deal with it.
“There were 15 to 20 minutes in the second half we dropped off and were lucky not to concede. We got a third goal in the last 10 to 15 minutes.”
Parnis said it was good for the strikers to get on the scoresheet, with the three goals the most by the side in a game this season.
He said the further the game went, the more their confidence grew.
“Once we scored the first goal, you could see the weight lifted off their shoulders,” he said. “After the second goal, they looked more comfortable and the third goal capped it off.”
Zachary Busuttil, Michael Kapiris and Sergio Tapia were the goalscorers for Phoenix.
The win moves the Phoenix to eighth with a 3-1-4 record.
The Phoenix faces a couple of big weeks before the Queen’s Birthday weekend bye – it will play 11th-placed Maribyrnong Greens, before taking on second-placed Keilor Wolves.
“We want to try and take some points off Maribyrnong Greens and Keilor is the benchmark,” Parnis.
“We’re happy to take them on. We will really have to be on our game.”
In state league 4 west, Westside Strikers had a big night against Laverton.
The 6-0 win, the Strikers’ third of the season, has them sitting in fourth.
Spring Hills slipped further down the ladder after a 3-1 loss to ladder leader Altona North. Mohamed Mohamed was the goalscorer for the Stallions.
In state league 1 north-west, Caroline Springs George Cross lost 3-0 to Preston Lions.
MORE FFV NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/craigieburn-city-finds-its-feet/
