By Tara Murray
Sunbury United has set its sights on promotion this year in FV state league 3 north-west.
After a promising season last year was derailed when the club was docked 10 points for playing an ineligible player, Sunbury is focused on stepping it up this year.
New Sunbury president Greg Czapnik said promotion was no doubt the focus of the group.
“We won’t be expecting anything less, barring any unforeseen circumstances,” he said.
“What happened last year won’t happen again.
“Promotion is on everyone’s mind, don’t think we will accept anything less.”
Czapnik said they were happy with their squad, having added some more depth. He said they had added at least five players and hoped they had the mix right.
“The squad is looking OK, but we say that every year,” he said.
“Until the season proper starts, it’s hard to say how it will go, but I’m expecting to do well. “There’s a good blend now and hopefully we’ll have a good year.”
Goalkeeper Rory Curran returns to the club having been with NPL side Altona Magic last year, while Ashley Webster (Brimbank Stallions) and Nathan Long (Albion Rovers) are expected to play key roles.
Among the outs for Sunbury are Matthew Hume and Jayden Mercieca.
Czapnik said there had been a lot of things happening behind the scenes at the club as well.
“There’s been a lot of work around the culture of the club and trying to make it a destination club.
“We don’t want to be a second or third choice club.
PHOTO GALLERY: Sunbury United vs Altona North
There’s lots of things in place from the committee, with structures and processes.
“A lot of exciting things are happening.”
Sunbury took to the field on Saturday for its first official match of the season, facing Altona North in the second round of the FFA Cup.
Sunbury had been drawn to play Sandringham, but due to an error in the draw, it had to be redrawn.
Czapnik said they would have loved to have played a side that wasn’t in the same competition as them.
Sunbury got an early upper hand with a 2-0 win to send the side through to the third round of the FFA Cup.
Both teams had chances in the first half but weren’t able to put them away.
Ivan Skorich opened the scoring for Sunbury in the 58th minute, before sealing the win with his second in the 75th minute.
The next round of the FFA Cup will be played this weekend.
