Epping City is hoping a more attacking line-up will propel the side to the top of the FFV state league 3 north-west ladder.
City finished fifth last season and was competitive against most sides, but was hurt by an inability to produce winning scores, finishing the season with 10 wins and nine draws.
President Mark Tavolaro said the club had retained all players from last season and added some strike power.
“We were the best defence in the league, but couldn’t score,” he said.
“We’ve added two or three strikers and will be pushing to be promoted. We don’t concede many goals. We need to turn five or six of those draws into wins and we should be in the mix.”
On Saturday, City defeated Williamstown 2-1 in its season opener.
At one stage, the game didn’t look like going ahead because of a wet pitch.
“It was a tough one to start off with, so it was good to get the win,” Tavolaro said. “We had a few players missing. The first half was even, with both sides having few chances. In the 10th minute of the second half, they got on a break and scored. We made a few changes midway through the second half and got two goals.”
It was a couple of recruits coming off the bench that made the difference. Michael Disasi and Leon Osei, who signed with the club during the week, came on and helped seal the win, with Osei scoring the winner.
Tavolaro said promotion was the clear aim for coach Joe Montagnese in his third year in charge. Montagnese led the side to promotion in 2016 when it won state league 4 north.
In other state league 3 north-west results, Upfield defeated Heidelberg Stars 3-0 and La Trobe University lost to Point Cook 2-1. In state league 2 north-west Mill Park lost to Brimbank Stallions 3-1 and Hume United lost 1-0 to Cairnlea.
In state league 4 north, Greenvale United defeated Northern Falcons 5-3 and Lalor United lost to RMIT 2-1, while Plenty Valley Lions and Craigieburn City’s match was washed out.
In state league 5 north, Bundoora United defeated Meadow Park 1-0 and Uni Hill Eagles lost 10-0 to Glenroy Lions.
