Melton has made the ideal start to its FFA Cup campaign.
The Phoenix dismantled Noble Park Soccer Club at the weekend, winning 9-0 to progress to the next round of the elimination tournament.
Melton coach Peter Schwellinger went into the match expecting a tough hit-out between the two state league 4 sides.
But his players ensured there would be no nervous moments as they raced to a 3-0 lead before half-time then went on to score another six goals.
“It was a very easy win actually,” Schwellinger said.
PICTURE GALLERY: MELTON PHOENIX V NOBLE PARK
“I expected it to be a harder game because they are also playing in the state league 4 like us but in the south-side division.
“I had no idea how good or bad they were because we’ve never played them before. It was a bit of a surprise to us. We really dominated from the start.”
Chris Briggs and Jordan Borg were the standouts for Melton, applying constant pressure on Noble Park by creating chances in front of goal.
Schwellinger said the team’s defence was impressive given the Phoenix was yet to start its state league campaign.
“It was a complete team effort,” he said.
“Our goalkeeper had almost nothing to do and I think that really speaks for his teammates in front of him.
“Our defence was very solid. We had a couple of passages where we slowed down a bit in the first half and allowed them to have two or three chances.
“We picked it up again in the second half and were very disciplined.”
The Phoenix will find out its second-round FFA Cup opponent this week.
The state league 4 season begins later this month.
This will be Schwellinger’s second season in charge at the club after leading Melton to a seventh-place finish last year.
