Tara Murray
Melton Phoenix knows it needs to continue doing the right things in the FV state league 5 west season in the final rounds of the season.
The Phoenix sits on top of the table with four rounds to go, but Barwon and Balmoral still remain in the title race.
With the uncertainty if one or two teams will get promoted, Phoenix coach Darren Traynor knows they can’t take things lightly as they aim for the title and promotion.
“We want to keep playing our brand and playing our way,” he said. “ We have a big squad, so if someone is injured, someone always comes in and we don’t have to change.
“It seems to be working at the moment with where we are at the moment.”
The Phoenix sit three points clear of Barwon, after they had a draw on the weekend. The Phoenix also have a better goal difference.
Balmoral is another six points further back in the title race.
Traynor said in many other divisions, the title would have already been decided with a team having just two losses and one draw at this part of the season.
He said one of their biggest keys was their defence. They’ve conceded just 11 goals for the season, putting them among the best in all the state league competitions.
On Saturday, the Phoenix proved far too strong for West Point winning 4-0. Scores were 2-0 at half time.
Cameron Stewart scored twice, while Jason Moody also found the back of the net. The other goal was an own goal.
Traynor said while it was pleasing to get the win, but the way they did it was the most impressive thing.
“It was a great performance as well which was pleasing,” he said. “It was 4-0 but it could have been a couple more.
“The performance was positive. We started well and finished well.”
The Phoenix this week face Balmoral. A win here to the Phoenix would end Balmoral’s title hopes leaving it a two team race.
They then face fifth placed Bendigo City, seventh placed Lara United and 10th placed Maribyrnong Greens in the run home.
“We have to be switched on,” Traynor said. “We will not get anything from them if we’re not.
“It’s an exciting challenge.”
In state league 4 west, Westside Strikers are also focused on promotion and winning the title.
The Strikers had a 2-0 win against Surf Coast, after leading 1-0 at half time.
The Strikers sit one point ahead of the Keilor Wolves. Both teams have a game in hand, on Laverton which is a further point back. The Wolves game with fourth placed Gisborne didn’t go ahead on Saturday due to the ground conditions.
Spring Hills is facing relegation from state league 4 west.
On Saturday the Stallions lost 3-2 to the Truganina Hornets. The Stallions have just one win.
