The Whittlesea Ranges players could be excused for feeling down on confidence after enduring a horror run of six games in National Premier League 1 soccer.
The Ranges have won a single game of the six.
The bad run included a 0-0 draw with Nunawading City, which, at that stage, hadn’t earned a point.
Coach Vinko Buljubasic said several factors were involved in the form slump.
“We have struggled with suspensions and injuries,” Buljubasic said. “It’s not an excuse, but it has affected the team’s form. We’ll have a few players coming back in the next couple of games and, hopefully, we can finish on a high – there’s still seven rounds to go.
“We’ve got a really unsettled first XI, which changes the rhythm.”
The loss of players has had its positives, though.
“A few younger players have stepped up,” Buljubasic added.
“We didn’t think they were ready at that age [16 and 17], but they’ve surprised me.”
He cited attacking midfielder Marijan Totic and left defender Andreas Bachos.
“It doesn’t matter what age they are,” he said. “If they are doing better than others, they will stay in the side.”
In their most recent game, against Nunawading City, the Ranges were left to rue missed opportunities.
“We had eight one-on-one chances and a penalty overturned,” Buljubasic said. “It could have been a cricket scoreline if we had converted all our chances. We’re making the opportunities so we haven’t lost confidence.”
The Ranges are eighth on the NPL 1 west ladder.
The Ranges played Bulleen Lions on Monday night; results weren’t available by deadline.
It was a mixed week for Hume City in NPL.
The club won its midweek match against Werribee City 4-0.
Once Theo Markelis opened the scoring in the 59th minute, City took control and scored three more goals.
On Saturday, City lost to Green Gully 3-1. Liam Boland scored all three of the Cavaliers goal.
Markelis was the scorer for City, which is sixth on the ladder.
On Wednesday night, City plays Brisbane Strikers in the first stage of the national part of the FFA Cup.
