By Tara Murray
Melton Phoenix pulled off its best win of the FFV state league 5 west season in testing conditions on Saturday.
The two teams were faced with horrible weather conditions playing under lights.
Throw in a number of injuries to key players, and the Phoenix put in a brave performance in the 2-1 win.
Phoenix coach Mark Parnis was super proud of how his side fought on.
“It was a massive day for us,” he said.
“Our reserves did an amazing job and got the result as well. We had five guys get injured and another five players out.
“It was fantastic for everyone involved.”
The Phoenix’s injury concerns started in the reserves when their goalkeeper went off.
Then their senior goalkeeper Connor Krizmanic was injured in the warm up.
Striker Jason Hill stepped into the keeper’s role, with 15-year-old Maison Parnis moved to the bench.
Parnis said their bad luck didn’t end there.
“They cracked a goal early on,” he said.
“Michael Kapiris, our main striker, got injured and threw a spanner in the works.
“Jason Moody got a nice free kick and at that stage we were 1-1 and thinking we were a chance.
“Then our striker [Hill] in goals hurt himself.”
PHOTO GALLERY: West Point vs Melton Phoenix
It meant Parnis junior had to take to the field for his senior debut. He was able to keep a clean sheet.
Moody also joined the injury list, but despite this the Phoenix hit the front through Sergio Tapia.
When Zac Busuttil went down in a rough tackle, it left Melton with 10 men on the field for the last 10 minutes.
“We were able to hold on and the boys were pretty desperate. It was fantastic,” Parnis said.
Parnis said they would assess the injuries at training on Tuesday night and he hoped a couple of players would return to boost the side.
The Phoenix this week face Balmoral and Parnis said with their injury crisis, they were realistic about the rest of their season.
“The aim is to finish as high as possible,” he said.
“Any move up the ladder now is a bonus.
“The goal is to build a better future for the club.”
In state league 4 west, Spring Hills lost to Melbourne City 2-1.
Westside Strikers had a 4-0 loss to Melbourne University. The Strikers sit fifth, while Spring Hills has slipped to ninth.
In state league 1 north-west, Sunshine George Cross got a rare win, beating Sydenham Park 1-0.
The win is the Georgies third win of the season and means the side moves above Clifton Hill.
MORE FFV NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/coach-aims-to-take-gisborne-to-next-level/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/westgates-week-of-woe/
