Tara Murray
Sunbury United finally got some reward for effort as it returned to the winners list for the first time since round two in the FV state league 3 north-west.
It’s been a challenging period for United in recent weeks, unable to capitalise on the hard work it had been doing.
That changed on Saturday, as United accounted for Williamstown.
United coach Danny Moore was a relieved man after the match.
“It was a bit of a miserable weekend the weekend before, conceding so late and to get nothing from it.
“The league is so close and it looks like anyone can beat anyone,
“The last three games before yesterday we had lost 1-0 in three consecutive games and we didn’t think we deserved to lose.
“It was nice to get what we deserve.”
Moore said despite the tough round of results the group had remained really positive and upbeat as they sought to turn their season away.
On Saturday, the win against Williamstown didn’t come easily. This time United was on the right end of a 1-0 score line.
“Sometimes you have to make your luck,” he said. “We had to stick with the principles and process and believe in what we’re doing.
“It was a great performance from the boys. It was fairly even and both teams didn’t really test each other as much as they would have liked to.
“There weren’t a lot of clear cut chances and the ball spent a lot of time in the middle of the ground.”
United hit the front in the first half through Daniel Adamo in the 31st minute
When Nam Pham received a red card in the 76th minute, United needed to hold on for dear life.
Moore said his side just willed themselves over the line.
“The boys really wanted it and deserved it with their commitment,” he said. “It really came to the fore, we needed that shot in the arm to turn things around.”
United now sit eighth on the table.
This week United faces Uni Hill Eagles on Saturday.
With the Eagles sitting second on the ladder, it’s another big test for United.
“The win gives everyone a boost,” Moore said.
“Anyone can beat anyone in this league. When you’re at the top everyone wants to beat them.
“We’re looking forward to testing ourselves against one of the top sides.”
Meanwhile, in state league 4 west, Gisborne lost to Surf Coast, 8-2. Pharrez Ali and Tyson Lopez were the goal scorers for the Sky Blues.
