By Tara Murray
Craigieburn City is starting to feel at home in FFV state league 3 north-west.
Craigieburn had only two wins from the first six games in state league 3, but in the past two weeks has shown some really positive signs.
Last week it had an 8-0 win against Westvale before backing it up on Saturday, beating Upfield 2-1.
Craigieburn coach Michael Loche said the side was starting to adjust to playing at the higher level.
Just two years ago they were playing in state league 5.
“We’re still a young team in our fourth senior season,” he said.
“We’re one of the smaller teams in the division in terms of budget and financially.
“We’re had a couple of good wins. We’re sitting mid table, which is pretty good.
“We’re starting to take our chances now. The first few weeks we weren’t playing our game.”
Loche said they were yet to have their best 11 players on the park at the one time.
On Saturday, Craigieburn broke through for its first win at home this season.
Loche said they had to do it the hard way.
“We went behind early on,” he said.
“We scored just before half-time. We were the better team in the first half.
“We made a mistake and got punished. I think scoring just before half-time helped us.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Craigieburn City vs Upfield
After levelling the scores, Craigieburn got a second in the 65th, which would be enough for the win.
Aykut Kucuktepe and Bernardo Monteleone were the goalscorers for Craigieburn.
Despite having had a couple of better weeks, Loche and the team isn’t getting ahead of itself.
Craigieburn City currently sits seventh on the ladder, but only goal difference behind fourth.
Loche said they have a tough run ahead of them.
“There’s not many easy points.
“We play the Western Eagles, which is a big club, and then Williamstown, which is also a big club.
“Then we face Sebastopol. We want to be around the 18 points at the half way mark of the season.
“It would be a pretty good effort at the half way mark. If we can push for two more wins before half way to give us more respectability and give us a chance to push for top four at the end of the year.”
In state league 1 north-west, Whittlesea United lost to North Sunshine Eagles 1-0. Whittlesea currently sits 10th.
In state league 2 north-west, Epping City sits on top after eight rounds. On Saturday, they defeated Hoppers Crossing 3-1.
Mill Park had a 2-1 loss to Moreland United, while Hume United and Altona East Phoenix had a 1-1 draw.
La Trobe University had a win in state league 4 north, while Plenty Valley Lions had a draw.
In state league 5 north, Bundoora United had an 11-2 win against Melbourne Lions.
