Harper Sercombe
Melton Phoenix has finally secured its promotion into FV state league 4 west.
To lock in the top two finish Phoenix knocked off West Point on Saturday afternoon in the state league 5 west.
Needing just a draw to finish second, Melton conceded an early goal but dominated from then on, equalising 10 minutes after conceding before adding another one. West Point found the back of the net again in the 61st minute, to which Phoenix scored twice again to give them a 4-2 win.
After falling agonisingly short of the promotion last season after finishing second only by goal difference, the Phoenix can take a sigh of relief according to coach Darren Traynor.
“It’s really, really good for the club,” he said.
“We were a bit stiff last year not to get promoted… so, to bounce back from last year’s disappointment was great and now hopefully onwards and upwards for the club.
“The boys had a really good mindset in preseason and the club was super supportive, so we bear the fruits now.”
With the challenge of state league 4 now awaiting the Phoenix, Traynor said the players and the club can’t wait for what’s ahead for them.
“We’re super excited, I think our brand of football will hold us in good stead in that league to be honest,” he said.
“Now looking forward to playing in a higher league, I think our brand will hold up to that, we should certainly hold our own in there.”
Traynor said the young squad he has, has the capabilities to take the club a long way, but he will still be looking to add some parts to bolster the sides performances.
“You can’t just sit on your laurels,” he said.
“We want to get better, we want to be a progressive club, we’ve got great infrastructure at the club, great facilities, a great committee that works their socks off.
“I’m really optimistic of where the club will be in the next couple of years.
“I felt like yesterday was a really good stepping stone for that.
“The boys are pretty young, with an average age of 22… so there’s a really good platform there with some youth… maybe try to add a slightly more experienced player here and there.
“We’ll have a look at that in the off season and get fairly aggressive in recruiting.”
Phoenix will be heading up to state league 4 with minor premiers Balmoral. West Point will play a play off match with Truganina Hornets, which finished third last in state league 4 west.
