Tara Murray
Melton Phoenix continued its good form on Saturday against Bendigo in the FV state league 5 west season.
Sitting second on the ladder, the Phoenix made the trip to Bendigo to take on a tricky Bendigo side.
The Phoenix, who has not conceded a goal since round three, again kept a clean sheet in the 3-0 win.
Phoenix scored twice within the first 25 minutes to get the game on their terms. Alex Dimond would score the side’s and his third in the 66th minute.
The only downside in the loss was a red card to Jason Hill in the dying minutes.
Speaking before the game, Phoenix coach Darren Traynor said the main thing for the group at this stage of the season was that they were enjoying their soccer.
“We’re going well and the goal for us is to continue that,” he said.
“We’re nearly half way through the season, but anything can change. The guys are really enjoying playing together, which is the most important thing.”
Traynor said the group had a lot of enthusiasm, with the average age of the players between 18 and 22.
He said many of the group had been in the National Premier League system, but had come back to get more opportunity.
Traynor said while they’re happy with how things are travelling, they will get a better indication in the next couple of weeks.
“We’ll be able to gauge things in the next couple of weeks once we’ve played everyone,” he said.
“If we can win those matches it will leave us in a good position. There’s about half a dozen sides still in the mix vying for promotion.”
The club’s new club rooms are open which is another bonus for the side.
The Phoenix this week face Lara at Lara.
In other results, Caroline Springs George Cross had a 2-2 draw with Keilor Park.
Keilor Park scored twice in the first half to open up a lead, with the Georgies getting one back on half time.
Jay Hart would equal the scores in the 88th minute to ensure his side took home one point.
The Georgies remain on top of the table, five points clear of second.
In state league 4 west, Westside Strikers had a day out against Barnstoneworth United.
The Strikers scored twice in the first half, before putting the icing on the cake in the second half with two more goals.
The Strikers sit second on the table, ahead on goal difference from second and third.
Spring Hills had a 1-1 draw with Golden Plains.
The Stallions took the lead in the first half through Nathan Campbell, before Golden Plains scored the equaliser in the second half.
The one point keeps the Stallions in second last, still four points ahead of Golden Plains.
