Challenges don’t come much bigger than the one facing Melton Soccer Club this weekend.
The Phoenix will host state league 4 powerhouse Hoppers Crossing, which has dropped just two points in 12 games this season.
But far from being daunted, Melton coach Theo Karapanagiotidis is encouraging his players to meet the Reds head on.
The last time the two sides met it was a 4-0 victory to Hoppers Crossing, although Karapanagiotidis is confident he’ll be putting out a stronger line-up this time.
“They didn’t catch us at our strongest as we had three or four guys who couldn’t play,” he said.
“There are no excuses, though, and they were the better side on the day.
“We really can’t wait for the challenge. I can’t wait to play them.
“We’ve seen them so we know how to prepare for them this time. We’ll change a couple of things and I can’t wait to challenge my guys to see how good they are against the best side in the league.”
The Phoenix are under no illusions how tough the contest will be.
Hoppers Crossing has scored the most goals and conceded the fewest of any side in state league 4, making it a tough prospect both in attack and defence.
But Karapanagiotidis is hoping his side’s home-ground advantage will provide the necessary boost.
“In the two years I’ve been at Melton they [Hoppers Crossing] are the best side I have faced,” he said.
“They’re a real quality side.
“But we have been very strong at home. We’ve won six on end at home and I’m confident of beating anyone at Melton.”
A win against the best side in the competition could be just the thing to give the second half of Melton’s season a boost.
After being promoted into SL4 in the off-season, the Phoenix has handled the jump well and sits in fifth spot on the ladder.
But Karapanagiotidis is hoping an improved away record will allow his side to climb higher.
“Away from home has been an issue,” he said.
“We need to start picking up more points if we’re going to start pushing up a couple of spots or even looking for a promotion spot.”
The Melton v Hoppers Crossing blockbuster will begin at MacPherson Park at 7pm on Saturday night.
