Injuries and lack of confidence have left Hume United sitting in the middle of the table in FFV state league 2 north west.
Earlier in the season, United sat only one point off second on the ladder. Now, after a series of disappointing results, the team is eighth and has conceded the equal most goals in the competition.
Coach Tony Neceski said he had tried different things at training to try to help the players regain confidence.
“We’ve had a few injuries, which haven’t helped,” he said.
“I can’t tell you why we have lost confidence, maybe a bit of complacency by the boys.”
United has conceded 10 goals in the last two weeks against the top two sides.
On Saturday, it lost to 5-1 to Westvale.
“In the first half they got a free kick and goal from 30 [metres] and it was a quality goal,” he said. “You don’t see many like that.
“We could have been in front at half time as we controlled the game but just couldn’t score.
“They got the ball up there once and got a second goal right before half time. Once they got a third goal it was over.”
Neceski said it wasn’t just his defence struggling.
“It’s across the board,” he said. “The midfield is struggling, so there’s only so much the defence can do.”
Neceski is hoping the side can bounce back.
“We set out at the start of the season to stay in the league and we need to make sure we do that,” he said. “We’ll look at building on that next year.
“In this league this year you can go from the top four to the bottom four in two rounds.”
This week, United faces Sporting Whittlesea which lost to North Sunshine Eagles 5-2.
In state league 3 north west, the top two teams were beaten.
Northern Roosters went down 1-0 to Lalor United, while Whittlesea United beat Essendon Royals by the same score.
North City Wolves lost 5-1 to Old Carey.
In state league 4 north, Fawkner thrashed Meadow Park Eagles 10-0, Upfield defeated Northern Falcons 4-1, Epping City and Plenty Valley Lions drew 0-0, and Parkville Panthers were too good for West Preston 4-2.
