Whittlesea Ranges’ push up the National Premier League 1 west ladder continued with a 1-0 win over Dandenong City on Saturday.
The Ranges were dominant from the outset and should have had the game put away by half-time.
Coach Vinko Buljubasic said the only disappointing thing about his team was not making the most of the opportunities.
“We played really well and we deserved more goals,” he said.
“Our finishing let us down and I was disappointed we didn’t take our opportunities.
“I’m happy to get the three points though.”
Buljubasic said the side would continue to work on finishing off the efforts up the field.
“There is room to improve in our attacking third,” he said.
“We need to make sure we have more concentration when we’re trying to finish off after the work of our midfielders and defence.”
Confidence is high for the Ranges following a number of good results.
“When you are winning, especially with young guys, they tend to think they are invincible,” Buljubasic said.
“We need to keep them on their toes.
“The next thing is trying to kill the game off earlier in the match and not let sides stay in the game.”
The Ranges are now fourth on the NPL 1 west ladder.
“It is a very tight league and we have to keep winning to keep pressure on the top two teams,” Buljubasic said.
“We would have been closer if we hadn’t lost points for playing an ineligible player for eight minutes earlier in the season. I’m happy with the progress of the side.”
The Ranges signed Ilhan Altuntas from Hume City during the mid-season transfer window.
Meanwhile, Hume City came from behind to win 2-1 at Port Melbourne in the NPL.
Kamal Ibrahim opened the scoring in the 54th minute to give Port Melbourne the lead at JL Murphy Reserve.
New recruits Theo Markelis and Paul Harvey then scored their first goals for the club to give City the win.
Harvey set up Markelis for the first of City’s goal and with five minutes of normal time left he beat two defenders to find the corner and make it 2-1.
The win sees City and Port Melbourne change positions on the ladder, with City now fifth with a 6-3-4 record.
This week they play Avondale on Saturday afternoon.
