AERIAL GAME: Alex Sulev and Nick Murphy attempt to get their heads to the ball during Sunday’s win over Albury United at Jelbart Park. PHOTO: Dee Rowney
Written by By SIMON CRASE.
MYRTLEFORD Savoy’s 2-0 win over Albury United has kept its championship aspirations intact, according to coach Michael Sacco.
A loss would have been disastrous and it was this driving his players to lift after a couple of mediocre performances compared to how they started the season.
"We knew we had to step it up otherwise we would have found ourselves out of the championship race," Sacco said.
"It was a good result for us because we needed to bounce back after two losses.
"We haven’t won there for six years, so to come away with a win was very pleasing."
Sacco said morale had been down a bit and the win would be a positive boost to the playing group’s confidence.
And it was the way in which the players responded which most pleased the coach, as the team started to produce attacking soccer.
"After the first five minutes we settled down and I think we controlled the match," he said.
"It was also a good achievement for us to end up with a clean sheet on the defensive end."
A Chris Mitchell header at the eight-minute mark put the first goal on the Savoy board and Nathan Mirt’s contribution to the 2-0 victory came 42 minutes in.
"They’re a tall team so it was good to beat them in the air for once," the coach said.
Brenton Cook was best again for Savoy and hasn’t missed a beat since returning from injury, Jayden Vescio was excellent in the square, Nathan Mirt was in an attacking mood in the midfield and Matt Vaccaro was resolute down back.
Sacco said Alex Sulev came into the side from the reserves and carried out a solid defensive holding role in the midfield.
Stoic defender Michael Ferrarro returns to the team this week to play Melrose FC and the coach could also return to the fray.
Sacco is wary of the next fortnight against teams below Savoy on the ladder.
"There are no easy games, the competition is very even and Melrose and Wangaratta have both beaten quality sides this year," he said.
Savoy will have the official opening of their refurbished grounds at Savoy Park this Saturday from 11am to 2pm.
This will include a light exhibition match following the formalities.
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