By Tara Murray
Mill Park coach John Kyrgios believes “a kick in the bum” early in the season has been a good thing for the team.
After a disappointing round two loss in FFV state league 2 north-west, Kyrgios focused the training sessions on concentrating for the whole game.
On Saturday the training paid off with Mill Park recording a 1-0 win against Epping City.
“Last week we had a lapse of concentration in the middle part of the game and it cost us,” Kyrgios said.
“It galvanised us at training and focused on not losing that concentration.
“Maybe a kick in the bum so early is a good thing for us.”
Kyrgios said Saturday’s win could have been much bigger if they had taken their chances.
“Everyone was talking about it being the club’s big derby,” he said.
“We managed to score a goal.
“We should have been three or four goals up at half-time, we made it hard for ourselves.
“They pressed us in the second half, but we were able to come away with the win.”
Kaua Aparecido Gomes Da Silva was the goalscorer for Mill Park, scoring his second goal of the season.
The win is Mill Park’s second in three games and has it towards the top of the table.
Kyrgios said he had high hopes for the playing group.
“I see things in a really good light and there is a lot of depth in the club.
“It’s just been about adjusting to a new model and trying to adapt to what I want to bring in.
“It’s about creating a good culture and having people who are committed and want to come and turn up.
“The quality is there, it’s about the discipline and carrying out the game.
“I don’t want to step too far ahead though.”
Kyrgios said things were going nicely in his first season at the club after a slow start with the playing group adjusting to his game style.
Kyrgios comes to the club with an extensive background in coaching women’s teams. Last season he coached a state league 5 men’s team while still coaching the women’s team.
“A very close friend was at Mill Park and said I should go for an interview.
“I’m done with women’s for the moment. It’s been really enjoying and rewarding [but] I thought I’d do something a bit different.”
In other state league 2 north-west matches, Hume United remains without a win after losing to Westgate 1-0.
Hume is one of three teams which are winless after three rounds.
In state league 3 north-west, Lalor United beat Upfield 2-1, while Craigieburn City was too good for Sunbury United, winning 3-2.
Greenvale United was on the winners’ list in state league 4 north, while Plenty Valley Lions had to settle for a draw.
