Tara Murray
Melton Phoenix has to back itself in more in the FV state league 5 west competition according to coach Darren Traynor.
The Phoenix have had a strong start to the season as it aims to be in contention for promotion again this season.
Traynor said while they were getting a lot of good results, they had to ensure they had that killer instinct and put teams away early in matches.
“We have a stronger side than last season, but the league is also stronger than last year,” he said.
“We’re still tweaking a few things. We’re aiming to build as the season goes on, 100 per cent.”
Traynor said Saturday’s match against Wyndham was one which showed what they can do when they turn the heat up.
He said Wyndham had improved a lot on the last couple of seasons
“It was 2-0 at half time,” he said. “We were tentative in the first half.
“We said to them at half time they were a bit timid. We said have a go and if we make a few errors, we make a few errors.
“We have a good side, we need to take it to them and see how they react. They ran out legs and we were able to score.”
The Phoenix came away with a 7-0 win with Lachlan Stafford and Elmedin Smajic scoring two goals each.
Traynor said it was pleasing to also keep a clear sheet.
After six rounds the Phoenix sit fifth on the ladder, with three wins and a draw in the results.
Traynor said they could have easily been undefeated at this stage of the season.
“Against Larea in the first half we were 2-0 down but they didn’t get the ball out of their half in the second half,” he said.
“At 2-1 the referee disallowed a goal that would have put us up 3-1. They had a free kick and it dribbled past everyone.
“Against Bendigo it was 1-1 before we had to play the last 35 minutes with 10 men. Bendigo is a side like us.”
The Phoenix this week will face Ballarat.
In state league 4 west, Spring Hills took the win against the Truganina Hornets.
The Stallions went a man down in the 43rd minute but were able to continue to fighting on. Nathan Campbell gave the Stallions the lead in the 63rd minute, with the side able to hold on for a 1-0 win.
In state league 3 north-west, Westside Strikers suffered a 2-2 draw to Craigieburn City.
Craigieburn led 2-0 at half time before the Strikers found the back of the net twice late in the piece to level the scores.
