Two lapses in concentration cost the Whittlesea Ranges dearly in their clash with Box Hill United in the National Premier League 1 match on Friday night.
United didn’t let the Ranges settle into the game, scoring in the first 30 seconds at Epping Stadium.
The opening goal was quickly followed by a second and third, to give the away side a 3-0 lead within 10 minutes.
The Ranges halted the flow for the rest of the first half to keep the score at 3-0 at half time. But in the second half, the Ranges again lost concentration for a five minute period which resulted in the score quickly blowing out to 6-0.
Both teams added a goal before the final siren to bring the result to 7-1.
Ranges secretary Sergio Costanzo said it was a disappointing result for the side.
“We have very talented players who, when they are under the pump, will sometimes make mistakes,” he said. “We had lapses of concentration which you can put down to youthful inexperience.
“After the first three goals you are already behind the eight-ball for the rest of the game.
“Being inexperienced you seem to drop your bundle when you get behind.”
Costanzo said while the result was unacceptable, it was something that would happen with a team looking to build for the future.
“We are looking long term and we need to create a pathway for young kids in the Whittlesea area to play soccer. We could quite easily recruit players, but we believe in the NPL and what it’s truly about, developing young players.”
