Tara Murray
Hume City’s future in the National Premier League top flight is in its own hands.
After spending much of the season in the bottom two and in the relegation zone, back-to-back wins has Hume now sitting three points clear of the bottom two with five rounds remaining.
Coach Goran Lozanovski said they know they aren’t out of danger and a couple of poor performances could prove costly.
“It has been a great couple of weeks with back-to-back wins,” he said. “We needed them.
“It’s credit to the boys, they deserve it after all the hard work.
“We’re now three points ahead of Dandenong City and we have a much better goal difference. That’s worth an extra point, we’re in a good position.”
Lozanovski said they weren’t too focused on what could happen down the track, with every match vital in the run home.
“We are taking it week by week,” he said. “Every game is like a grand final for us.
“Tactically we need to get something out of every game, even against the better sides. Every point is vital for us.”
Lozanovski said at this time of year, many clubs are struggling with suspension and injury. He said they need to make sure they’re taking those opportunities when they arise.
“We don’t think we are too far off the teams that are in the three to four spots above us with our list,” he said.
“We think that we can beat those sides.”
Lozanovski said since the start of the season, nearly a third of their starting 11 had changed. He said they had been keen to reward those who were playing well.
With the transfer window closed, Lozanovski said there might be some more opportunities for those in the squad.
One addition to the Hume squad in the back half of the season was former captain Harry Monaghan, who was finally able to return after sorting out visa issues.
“Harry is a true leader,” he said.
“He hadn’t played many minutes in the last three to four months, so it took a couple of games to get into the swing of things.
“He has been really valuable for us and he has provided us with some stability.”
Hume faces Heidelberg on Sunday afternoon.
Lozanovski said they were looking forward to the match.
‘They have been a team in form the last six to seven weeks,” he said. “They have a big schedule with the FFA Cup [Australia Cup] and the Dockerty Cup.
“Hopefully they are battled and bruised for us and we can hopefully get some points.”
