Tara Murray
Sunbury United is focused on not getting ahead of itself despite a strong start to the FV state league 3 north-west season.
United made it two from two on Saturday, accounting for Fawkner, showing that it had put together a strong squad this season.
New coach Danny Moore said everyone was happy with how things were playing out so far.
“Everyone is happy, but it’s a long season,” he said.
“We need to stay level and keep our feet on the ground. We haven’t achieved anything yet and it’s still early in the season.
“It’s good to get wins on the board and we can aim to finish high on the level, we just need to stay level headed.”
Moore said the most pleasing thing early had been the way the group was keen to play for each other.
With more than half the squad having come in this season, it’s something that at times can take some time.
“I’ve been impressed and it’s the biggest thing at the moment, is how the team is working for each other.
“It’s a testament to the team as a playing group that they well back each other in and go the extra mule for others.”
United proved too strong for Fawkner on Saturday in round two.
With Fawkner playing its first match on Monday night, Moore was able to get down to check them out beforehand to see what they were in for.
“They looked like a good side and very good on the break,” he said. “If we let them play that way, they would have hurt us.
“We had to restrict their ability to play.”
United was the better team early. It got on the board through an own goal, before Joel Grech doubled the score five minutes later.
Fawkner hit back with two goals before half time to level the scores.
A Riley Dinsdale goal put United back in front, which was enough to seal the 3-2 win.
Moore said they showed a lot of character to hold out Fawkner.
While happy with its early season form, Moore knows they still have plenty of improvement left in the group.
“It’s still a challenge getting the group together,” he said. “It’s a brand new side and it takes some time.
“The results show what we are doing is working.”
United this week faces Westside Strikers, which won their first match in state league 3 after earning promotion. The bye for the Easter weekend follows, with Moore saying it would be a good time to reassess where the season and side is at.
In state league 4 west, Gisborne lost to Keilor Wolves, 5-2. The Wolves are set to be one of the teams to beat this season.
The Sky Blues have had losses in their first two matches.
