By Tara Murray
Craigieburn City didn’t envisage playing in FFV state league 3 north-west next season.
But that’s the reality for the three-year-old club after it sealed a second straight promotion on Saturday.
Craigieburn hit its form at the right time to finish second in the state league 4 north season. It then proved too strong for Altona North and then Essendon United in promotion play-off games.
Coach Michael Loche said they were in disbelief with what they had achieved.
“After a promotion you want to consolidate your spot, so we did really well.
“About five to six weeks ago, our season was almost over.
“We got a really good streak and then the last two play-off games continued that.
“The players are stoked and they’re a special group of players.
“This is massive for the club.”
On Saturday against Essendon United, it was Craigieburn that opened the scoring in the first half.
It made it 2-0 just before half-time.
United got one back just after play resumed but Craigieburn finished strongly with two late goals to win 4-1.
“A couple of years ago they were in state league 2 and we were in state league 5,” Loche said “We’ve closed the gap.”
Jordan Connerton scored a hat trick on Saturday.
Loche said the playing group was pretty special.
“Half of them have been together for four or five years … it’s one of our strengths,” he said.
“We battle and work hard, but no one will beat us on heart and character.”
Loche, who will coach next season, said they were yet to start planning for next year.
He said they were hopeful that being in a higher division would help them attract a few more players.
“We’ll let the dust settle and then plan for 2019,” he said. “We’ll lose a couple of players and look to add another five to six … to be competitive in the next league.”
The win means Craigieburn will join state league 4 north title winners Lalor United in state league 3 north-west.
Lalor United fell just short of claiming the overall state league 4 title, losing to Monash University 4-1.
Kliment Dimitrieski was the goalscorer for United.
Whittlesea United, which claimed the state league 2 north-west title, added the overall state league 2 title to its haul on Thursday night. Scores were locked at 3-3 before Whittlesea won in a penalty shoot out.
