Tara Murray
It’s been a pleasing start to life in the National Premier League 3 competition for Caroline Springs George Cross.
With a win and a loss from their first two matches, the Georgies have shown some positive signs early on.
Coach Eric Vassiliadis said things have been looking really positive so far for the side.
“It’s always a challenge not knowing the level of teams you are coming up against,” he said.
“You want to get off to a good start, but there’s more quality you are coming up against.
“We’re still getting a feel for the league, it’s still early days.
“There’s been some surprising results. We’ll keep working hard and focus on what we can do.”
The Georgies were at home on Friday night against Boroondara Carey Eagles , their first home match of the season.
Vassiliadis said it was a pretty big occasion for the club, being able to show off their facilities in front of a big crowd.
On field, the Georgies lost 2-1. Otman Benhaddou scored late in injury time for the Georgies.
“They got a couple of goals in the bank,” he said. “We couldn’t get the goal we needed early on to put eh pressure on them.
“Full credit to Boroondara they deserved to get the three points. The work our lads to keep pushing and the endeavour for the shirt was really good.”
Vassiliadis said a focus for the group was to make their home ground a fortress, that makes it hard for other teams to play at.
He said every game at home would be a big occasion and that hopefully brings out the best in them.
Vassiliadis said they were just focused on their game and trying to get better and better.
“There’s more quality in NPL3 and teams that have had success and know how to win,” he said.
“We have to keep getting better and better.
“We look at each opposition and as a coach looking at whether they will look to open us up or sit on us, to try and get the result.
“I’ve been happy to far with the guys work rate and feel of the game day situation.”
The Georgies this week face North Sunshine Eagles. The Eagles are undefeated after two rounds.
“We play them away and it’s a pretty intense environment,” Vassiliadis said.
“They are two from two and have been in the league quite a well. Hopefully we’ll get three points and get a reaction from the boys after last week.
Meanwhile, Western United got its fourth win of the NPL2 season on Saturday, beating Werribee City.
Scores were locked at 0-0 at half time and it was still the case deep in the second half.
The Bees went a man down and United converted a penalty not long afterwards to take the lead. United held on for a 1-0 win.
United sits third on the table.
