On the back of a hard-fought draw last weekend, the Goulburn Valley Suns’ work begins in earnest this weekend when they clash with third-placed Moreland City.
The countdown is well and truly on until the sun sets on this year’s NPL2 season, with only six games remaining for the men in orange to salvage something from a nightmarish campaign.
Caretaker manager Lee Blackburn said last week’s performance against Bulleen had buoyed the mood at McEwen ahead of a home clash this weekend.
“We had a bit of an early scare (last week), early doors from a set piece, after that we did well and managed to get in front,” he said.
“It was nice to go ahead and not have to be chasing, the performance again was strong.
“We’ve just got to manage the game better and be a bit more ruthless at both ends of the pitch.”
Matthew Breeze has gotten his Suns career off to a cracking start after joining up with the club a fortnight ago, scoring in both of his matches so far.
“He’s given us calmness and composure in our top third and both of his goals were in the six-yard box,” Blackburn said.
“The pleasing thing about his goals is he’s using his mates and starting and finishing his work.”
The Suns midfield duo of Jamie Hamilton and Darcy Pawlik will hope to replicate a strong showing last time out against Bulleen, with Blackburn pleased the two were able to lay a solid foundation through the middle of the park.
“Our two mids did well in Jamie Hamilton and Darcy Pawlik; just being options — being on the ball, making things happen and being difficult to play through,” Blackburn said.
The Suns face Moreland City this Saturday at McEwen Reserve, with kick-off at 3pm.