Tara Murray
Melton Phoenix is hoping for a big finish as it is focused on earning promotion in FV state league 4 west.
The Phoenix sit in third spot with six rounds remaining, only goal difference behind second placed Keilor Wolves.
The top side is automatically promoted, with Surf Coast having almost guaranteed that, while second spot will go into a play off.
Coach Darren Traynor said earning promotion was their aim for the rest of the season.
“We still have to play Keilor Wolves, [fifth placed] Balmoral and the Surf Coast,” he said. “We need to keep winning games with how tight it is
“Surf Coast have had an outstanding season. We should have beaten them last time and we get to play them again.
“If we can win the next few weeks it will put us in a good spot heading into the final round.”
On Saturday, the Phoenix faced West Point.
Traynor said it was atrocious conditions to play in.
“A 2-0 win, we will take that all the time,” he said. “West Point was promoted with us last year and you don’t know what to expect.
“It was a solid performance and good win that was really important.”
Traynor said the performance was a strong one where they controlled the game from start to finish.
He said they did all the attacking.
“They were sitting off us hoping to get us on the counter attack,” he said. “We deserved to get that win, it could have been three or four goals.
“They didn’t create much and it was a good performance by the boys especially missing two of our starting players.”
Traynor said their depth had been on show this season and the decision to have a larger squad had really paid off despite a couple of players leaving to get more field time.
The Phoenix face Barnstoneworth United this Saturday.
Traynor said all their focus is on that match.
“Its one week at a time, he said. “We need to roll up our sleeves and hopefully get the result.”
In other state league 4 west matches, Westside Strikers came away with a 2-1 win against Melbourne City.
David Torres Suarez and Fabio Albuquerque were the goal scorers for the Strikers.
The Strikers sit in seventh spot.
This wee they face Truganina Hornets.
In state league 5 west. Spring Hills match with Maidstone United was postponed due to rain damage to the ground.
