Tara Murray
If West Point didn’t think it was on the right track ahead of the FV state league 5 west season, it certainly does now.
Playing in the knockout Australia Cup competition, West Point knocked off state league 1 side Richmond in the third round earlier this month.
For coach Tim Hallows and the committee it was a landmark result from a senior perspective.
“Initially the club was for children after a couple of parents got together,” he said.
“The senior set up started about five years ago. This result against a club that is four divisions higher is quite remarkable.”
Hallows said they went into the game knowing that they would be under pump. He was prepared for the side to have to stick it out.
“We had a game plan… We knew we would not have much possession and we would have to hit them on the break.
“Richmond is a good side and ended up with the majority of the possession. We had our backs up against the wall.
“It played out how we thought it would. We scored on a break. It was absolutely amazing.”
Hallows said there was plenty of celebration after the win, one of the biggest in the club’s history.
For the club, it was the first it had made the third round, let alone winning into the fourth round.
West Point will play Whitehorse United on March 23 in the fourth round.
“The NPL clubs come into play with the draw, and it will be another step up if we play one them,” Hallows said before the draw
“It’s great for the club being in this round.”
The result is a massive boost for West Point ahead of the state league 5 west season which starts this Saturday.
West Point will play Maribyrnong Greens in the season opener.
Hallows, who is in his first season at the club, they have set high expectations. The club finished second bottom last season, winning just two games.
“Myself and assistant have come with a bunch of players,” he said.
“We’ve changed teh dynamic of the club and that result is a morale booster for this season.
“There’s no doubt we’re hoping to get promoted. That’s what I’ve been brought into the club and are working towards.
“With the level of players we have brought in, we should be pushing for that.”