By Oliver Lees
Having retained his core group of players from last year’s fragmented season, Gisborne Soccer Club coach Danny Moore is confident his side will push for promotion in the 2022 season of the state league 4 competition.
On March 19, Gisborne will kick off its campaign, with hopes that no further restrictions will delay or restrain the season.
Last season Gisborne took to the field for 14 of its 22 fixtures, as the club finished fifth on the table with seven wins, three draws and four losses.
This year former Sunbury United midfielder Harry Thompson has returned to the area to line up for Gisborne.
Reflecting on last season, Moore said the constant interruption of COVID-19 protocols had made it difficult to build momentum.
“With the lockdowns and the gaps between matches it was definitely disruptive, because I think we started really well and picked up points early on,” he said.
“At times our form was a great indicator of where we’re heading towards. The objective for this year is we want to have a good start and we’re aiming for those top promotion spots.”
In stage league 4, the top team at the end of the regular season gains automatic promotion, while the second placed team must play a playoff match.
Gisborne got its year off to the right start with a 10-1 victory over Doreen United in round one of Australia on Saturday, February 12.
The cup, which was formerly known as the FFA Cup, got underway on the weekend with more than 200 teams from across Victoria entering the knockout competition.
Facing the metro based side Doreen United Soccer Club, Gisborne won 10-1 at home.
Co-captain Jake McIntyre and Sean O’Callaghan both netted a hat trick in a match that saw five Gisborne players make an impact on the score sheet.
Coach Danny Moore said he was happy to see his side execute on the game plan.
“It’s always a bit of an unknown quality entering into early rounds of the cup,” he said.
“The message we were sharing with the playing group was that we can’t underestimate the opponent, we have to continue to apply high standards.
“I think the number of goals was a reflection of how well we performed, and not just scoring, but through creating opportunities.”
Moore commended the entire playing group and made specific mention of the strength of his midfield line, Andy Koroneos, Matt Hume and new recruit Harry Thompson.
In 2021, Gisborne progressed to the third round of the cup before being knocked out.
