Gisborne couldn’t have asked for a much better start to the FFV state league 5 west season.
Facing Melton Phoenix, which was relegated during the off season, Gisborne meant business early on and within the space of 11 minutes had opened up a 3-0 lead.
Phoenix got one goal back before the break, but the second half was all Gisborne which went on to an easy 7-1 win.
Gisborne coach Danny Ciantar was thrilled with the result.
“We were good for the first 20 minutes and then got a little bit complacent,” he said.
“We raised a few things at half-time and the team then went out and played some great football in the second half.”
Several of the off season recruits had an impact on the scoreboard.
Jake McIntyre scored four goals, Joseph Cavoli scored twice and Charles Eastwood scored the other goal.
Ciantar said the scoreboard clearly showed that McIntyre, who returned from Sunbury United, had played at a higher level.
“He has come down from state league 2 and 3 and he is going to have a little bit more time and space,” Ciantar said.
“He has the right support around him as well.
“They’re putting him in the positions he is so he can have a strike for goal.”
The first-year coach said they weren’t getting ahead of themselves, but were pleased with their preparation.
“I’m excited at the moment and there’s a really good vibe at the club.
“It’s hard to tell where everyone is at. It’ll take five to six rounds for the results starting to come through to understand the good clubs.
“We’re not worried about anyone else at the moment.”
Gisborne has this weekend off due to the Easter weekend, before facing Melbourne Lions in round two.
The Lions are coming off a 5-1 loss to West Point.
Ciantar said they were expecting to get some players back from injury and holidays in the next couple of days which will strengthen the side.
It was a good day for Gisborne’s reserves side as well, which won 4-0 against Phoenix.
Meanwhile, the club’s under-14 and under-13 boys won the BoysFC Plate Champions in Bendigo.
