By Tara Murray
Hume United is taking a different approach to a new FFV state league 2 north-west season.
After being in the middle of the table in recent years, Hume is setting its sights on promotion – and that is having a big say in how the club is putting the side together.
Hume general manager Mutlu Oztas said a change was needed.
“It’s hard to get top level Australian players to transfer to this level,” he said.
“So we’ve got a few international players. We’ve got four or five coming from the likes of Spain, Argentina and Columbia.
“We needed to add some more professional players. We want to go up this season – and we think we are a really good chance.”
Oztas, who formed the club 21 years ago, said only four or five players were returning from last season. He said they had a 24-man squad this year, with many of them keen to make a long term commitment to the club.
Despite so many changes, Oztas said he didn’t think it would take the side long to put it together on the field.
Oztas said it was also an exciting time off the field for the club. Lights have been installed at its ground, meaning it can play night matches.
“It’s a different vibe,” Oztas said. “It’s all pretty exciting.”
Photo Gallery: Hoppers Crossing vs Hume United
However, on Saturday Hume didn’t have an ideal start to the season, losing 3-0 to Hoppers Crossing after leading 1-0 at half-time.
It was a disappointing result for Hume, which defeated Hoppers Crossing in the FFA Cup a few weeks ago.
On that first occasion, Hume had been missing several players, so it had been hoping to build on that performance for the return encounter.
In other state league 2 north-west results, Mill Park had a 3-1 win against Altona East Phoenix.
Mill Park scored the only goal of the first half, before strengthening the winning position in the second half. Michael Paul scored twice for Mill Park with Fabio Rogerio Albuquerque Junior scoring the other goal.
Epping City had a 1-1 draw with Fitzroy City.
In state league 3 north-west, Lalor United and Craigieburn City both had wins.
Lalor beat Sebastopol Vikings 4-2, while Craigieburn City beat Essendon United 3-1.
Upfield had a 3-1 win against Point Cook.
In state league 4 north, Greenvale United and Plenty Valley Lions both had wins.
In state league 5 north, Uni Hill Eagles won 11-1 against Mitchell Rangers, while Bundoora United also got the win.
MORE FFV NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunbury-united-shows-its-strength-with-solid-first-up-win/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/lapses-hobble-brimbank-stallions/
