By Tara Murray
Lalor United’s dream start to the FFV state league 3 north-west soccer season has continued.
While many sides struggle after earning promotion, Lalor has its sights set on a second straight elevation after being undefeated after seven rounds.
Lalor beat Essendon United 3-0 on Saturday.
Zoran Petrevski scored twice in the win and Igorce Kolevski scored the other goal.
Coach Tony Sterjovski said plans for a second straight promotion had been forged in the pre-season – but carrying out that plan was a challenge.
“We have some quality at the moment,” he said. “We’re always confident that we will be hard to beat. But we’re not getting ahead of ourselves.”
Sterjovski said the work done during the off-season was paying dividends.
Lalor United has scored the most goals in the division this season, while conceding just five.
Sterjovski said the biggest difference between the two divisions was the extra pace in the higher grade.
“We’re confident that we can score goals,” he said. “We’re 100 per cent switched on – the whole squad of 20 players have driven it week in week out.
“It’s a massive headache who to put on the field, but it’s a good one to have.”
Sterjovski said the focus for the side was to continue building and working on a high level of consistency.
“We want to make our home ground a fortress and don’t want to lose at home,” he said.
“Hopefully, we can secure a second promotion in a row. I have full confidence in the squad.”
In other results, Craigieburn City had a massive 8-0 win against Westvale. Skipper Jordan Connerton scored three goals and Bernardo Monteleone scored twice.
Upfield lost to Williamstown 3-2.
In state league 1 north-west, Whittlesea United has appointed Tony Ciantar as its new coach for the rest of the season.
Ciantar replaces Ersan Gulum, who has left the club after signing with A-League side Western United.
Ciantar has coached several clubs, including at National Premier League level.
He started this season coaching at Whittlesea Ranges before being sacked after a win-less start.
In state league 2, Hume United and Mill Park drew 1-1.
MORE FFV NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/keilor-park-cranks-up-the-excitement/
