NPL: Whittlesea Ranges hope for big finish

Whittlesea Ranges is looking to finish the season on a positive note in the National Premier League 1.

With two rounds to play, coach Vinco Buljubasic will use the matches to help continue his side’s development as he looks ahead to next season.

In their latest match, the Ranges were left to rue simple mistakes in a 3-0 loss to Box Hill United at Wembley Park.

Alex Schroen was the star with all three goals as Box Hill dominated from the start.

He scored two in the first half and completed his hat-trick with five minutes to go.

Buljubasic said it was a disappointing result.

“Box Hill deserved the win,” he said.

“They played the better football and are one of the best sides in the competition.

“Our decision-making was poor and we were punished for that.

“We had some good patches but couldn’t match it with them.

“Box Hill kept possession and we had to pressure them into mistakes for us to score. It didn’t happen.”

Buljubasic said his team made schoolboy errors.

“It was positive in patches, but when we turned over the ball, we let them play and that’s the difference,

“We did it last week and conceded goals and we did it again this week.

“It’s going to take time to fix these errors.

“The guys need more games in them and more games playing together.

“We’ll cut down on these errors next year.”

The Ranges sit 13th of 14 on the ladder with a 5-4-15 record.

They face Springvale White Eagles this week and Bulleen Lions in the final round of the season.

At the other end of the table, Avondale Heights wrapped up the title with a 3-0 win over Springvale White Eagles.

Avondale Heights sits nine points clear entering the last two rounds.