Tara Murray
Sunbury United is aiming to get back on the winners list in FV state league 3 north-west as it challenges for promotion
Sunbury sits second after 12 rounds, but haven’t had a win in their last three games and with a number of sides looking to take their spot.
President Greg Czapnik said there had been some chances to claim full points out of two of the recent three games, with the side knowing everyone is keen to knock them off.
“Reality is, we should not have lost a game all season with our losses, should have been draws,” he said.
“And outside of the Westvale game, all our draws should have been wins. There are three or four teams around us that are very close on points that want us to drop points.
“We have to win consistently. It will be a real battle with no easy games.”
Sunbury’s run home sees them play every team below them on the ladder, having faced the runaway leaders Westvale Olympic in a top of the table clash on Saturday.
It was the first of the return matches as the second half of the season got underway.
The match would finish in a 0-0 draw with Czapnik saying the game was a hard one.
“There were very few chances for both sides,” he said. “It was a strange game that was played between the two boxed and not much goalmouth action.
“A draw was a fitting spot.”
Czapnik said the result would make it hard for them to finish top and claim the title. The top two teams get promoted.
“They were seven points clear before our game,” he said.
“Our only chance to win the title was to beat them. They are undefeated after 12 rounds and I can’t see them dropping three games in the next 10.”
Czapnik said like a few other clubs they had been hit by COVID-19, the flu and injuries.
Several of their starters are out with long term injuries, with only one a chance to return this season.
Czapnik said they would continue to focus on what had been working, to ensure they make the most of the position they are in.
“We are in a good spot,” he said. “But everyone wants to beat us.
“Altona North is equal on points and Fawkner is one point behind and then there’s Heidelberg Eagles.
“It’s a matter of consistency as we can’t afford to drop any more points. We need to stay up and about as everyone is match hardened every game is a hard game.”
Sunbury this week faces Sebastopol Vikings.
Meanwhile in state league 4 west, Gisborne had an upset loss to Greenvale United.
United scored first before Matthew Mocciaro scored on half time.
A penalty in the 80th minute was converted by United to get the 2-1 win.
Gisborne now sit fourth on the ladder.
