Whittlesea United knows well the situation it will face in the final rounds of the FFV state league 3 north-west season.
United remains in contention for a top two spot and promotion with four rounds left in the season. It currently sits fourth, seven points behind second-placed Westvale.
Westvale increased its lead over United by defeating it 6-3 on Saturday.
United has played one less match than the other three sides also looking for promotion.
Last season, the team finished a heartbreaking third, on goal difference behind second-placed Altona City.
United vice-president Goksal Guler said that after an up-and-down season they were still confident of a top-two finish.
“The ball is in our court,” he said before last weekend’s match.
“It’s about making sure we get the three points now.
“We missed out on goal average and it’s in the back of our mind.
“The core group is the same as last year, and it hurt. They’re still young and I hope it’s motivation to get them over the line.”
United started the season well before being hit with injuries and players travelling overseas.
They also parted with their coach, Gary Currie, about eight weeks ago, despite being undefeated at the time.
Guler said it had been a hard decision to part ways with Currie but said they felt as though they weren’t playing to the best of their abilities under his leadership.
Serdar Torun, who has been involved with the club for a number of years, including as a player, took over as coach.
Guler said he hoped they were getting through the period of missing players and were closer to full strength.
Skipper Tansel Baser returned to action of Saturday after being overseas on holidays.
In another boost, the club recently signed Nejdet Sahin.
Sahin, who previously played for United, returns from National Premier League 2 side Moreland City.
“We asked him to come back and help get us over the line,” Guler said.
“Moreland City had nothing to play for, so they gave him the green light. In his first game he was our best player.”
United this week faces La Trobe University, which suffered a 3-1 loss to Upfield on Saturday..
