It’s been a mixed start to the season for Sporting Whittlesea, but coach Kevin Theuma believes they’re on the right track.
Two wins, a draw and a loss in the first four rounds see Sporting Whittlesea sit fifth on the ladder on goal difference in state league 2 north-west, equal on seven points with second-placed Corio and three other teams.
The latest result was a 3-2 win against Hume United at Cook Reserve on Saturday, when Daniel Giogha, Burak Kocak and Roberto Panetta were Sporting’s scorers.
Theuma said his side had a tough start to the season against other sides they thought would be contenders come the end of the season.
“We’ve started OK with a pretty tough run early on, playing two of the title contenders,” he said.
“We’ve played well in these games.”
Theuma believes his side is better placed than last year, when they lost only one of their first nine matches and went on to finish fifth, just four points off top spot.
He said he expected it to be another close season with nothing separating the top sides.
“The players have developed individually and as a team,” he said.
“We have a better and deeper squad.
“I did a course over the offseason to improve myself, we worked hard and the club is getting better and stronger.”
The coach said there hadn’t been any standouts early in the season, with all players playing their part.
“It’s been a very good team effort and the players have implemented what stuff we have put in place,” he said.
“There’s been an even spread of goalscorers and a couple of younger guys have stepped up when they’ve needed to because of injury.”
The loss means Hume United remains with one win for the season and are 11
In state league 3 north-west, Whittlesea United had a 1-1 draw with Melbourne City, while Upfield and Melbourne University played a 2-2 draw.
Lalor United suffered a 1-0 loss to Geelong Rangers.
Epping City remains undefeated in state league 4 north after a 5-1 win over North City Wolves.
Mill Park has a 2-1 win over Watsonia Heights, while Plenty Valley Lions won 1-0.
Bundoora United lost 3-0 to Marcellin Old Collegians.
In state league 5 north, Greenvale United continued on its good start to the season with a 4-0 win over Mitchell Ranges.
Craigieburn now has two wins to go with two draws in its debut season after a 3-2 win over Heidelberg Eagles.
Keon Park lost 2-1 to Thornbury Athletic.
