Sunbury United has claimed a confidence-boosting victory to start the FFV state league 3 north-west season.
Wins early in the season have been rare for Sunbury in the past couple of years, so starting well was a big focus for the side.
It didn’t take long for United to get going against Essendon United, with Jayden Mercieca opening the scoring in the second minute.
Mohammed El Turkmani made it 2-0 as Sunbury dominated the first half.
Once in front Sunbury stayed there, eventually winning 4-1.
David Mwarabu and Djafari Mwarabu scored second-half goals within the space of three minutes to seal the win.
Sunbury’s Daniel Moore said his side controlled proceedings for 90 per cent of the game and the scoreline indicated that.
“The first goal we scored in the first couple of minutes and that set up the game,” he said. “It gave everyone a lift and put Essendon on the back foot straight away. The first half, we created so many chances and could have scored a couple more goals. They rallied a bit in the second half.”
Moore said getting off to a good start was vital.
Last season was the first season in three years
in which Sunbury wasn’t relegated.
The win against Essendon is Sunbury’s first official win of the year, after losing an FFA Cup match.
“The main focus for us was on the season,” Moore said. “The FFA Cup would have been a bonus. The league is our bread and butter.
“Last season, we started the season with a heavy defeat, so it’s good to turn things around in the first round.
“With a bye next round already, to get the win heading into a two-week break – it’s good momentum for the squad.”
Moore said the club had finalised its squad in the past few weeks and that coach Lino Grech seemed happy with how the recruits were travelling .
“We have a squad of about 19 players,” he said. “We have commented during the practice matches, how the vibe is already good. It helps when you are winning.
“We think we’ve found the right mix of players and personalities and they have binded together. It definitely showed on Saturday.”
While the seniors got a win, the reserves didn’t even get on the park.
Wet weather meant the pitch was waterlogged and the game was washed out.
Sunbury has this weekend off due to the Easter bye round, before facing FC Strathmore away on April 7.
