By Tara Murray
Whittlesea Ranges aren’t panicking yet, despite a winless first four rounds of the National Premier League 2 west season.
The Ranges have just one point at this stage of the season, but coach Tony Ciantar says that things aren’t far from being turned around.
“I’m not panicking at this stage, it’s only round four,” he said.
“I’ve done it before and turned things around and I will do the same again. I know what it will take and it will put us in a good spot.
“We’ve had a fairly tough draw as well. We’ve played three sides that will be contenders.
“There’s joy around the corner … we are a good side.”
Ciantar said the biggest thing was earning the trust of this year’s playing group, something he did when he joined the club midway through last season and was able to turn things around.
He said some injuries this season meant they hadn’t had their full side on the park.
Photo Gallery: Werribee City vs Whittlesea Ranges
There has also been a personnel change with goalkeeper Gian Tapia leaving the club after the first three matches.
On Saturday, the Ranges lost 2-0 to Werribee City.
Ciantar said there was some really positive signs despite the scoreline.
“We conceded from two set plays and that cost us the game,” he said. “It was a good, really competitive game.
“Our football was good and we were able to nullify them. We were down 2-0 at half-time and it was always going to be tough.”
Ciantar said their best chance to get back into the game had been in the second half when they had a penalty shot.
Jose Ramirez found the back of the net, but the referee called it back and made them take it again. Andrew Doig missed the second attempt. Adding salt to the wound, Ramirez hurt his hamstring on his shot.
“We had the chance to get back into the game,” Ciantar said.
“If we had have scored the penalty, we would have gathered some momentum.
“They also had a red card in the 70th minute which reduced them to 10 men.”
The Ranges this week face Melbourne Victory’s youth league side.
Ciantar said they had to be prepared for the young side’s quickness.
In the NPL, Hume City suffered its first loss of the season against Heidelberg United.
James Brown opened the scoring for Hume, before Heidelberg scored the equaliser before half-time.
Heidelberg hit the front in the 53th minute and that was enough, winning 2-1.
The game could have gone either way with Hume having opportunities.
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