Hoppers Crossing raced out of the gates with a 5-2 thrashing of newly promoted Altona North in Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 4 season opener at Grange Reserve on Saturday.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, the Reds were not at their clinical best, giving up two sloppy goals to an undermanned side and wasting a number of chances of their own.
“It’s good to get off to a winning start, but, at the same time, copping two goals and not finishing the chances we had was a little bit disappointing,” Reds skipper Kevin Smart told the Weekly.
The Reds frittered away three chances to go ahead in the first five minutes only to see North take the lead through an unmarked Josh Davies.
The visitors’ joy was short-lived once the Reds strike force of Khalil Assaad, Alister Smart and Zia Sherzai clicked into top gear.
Wingers Smart and Sherzai were particularly damaging, with Sherzai finishing with two goals.
There were also strong performances from centre halves Julian Zach and Brian Chesson, with Chesson also grabbing a birthday goal.
Alister Smart and substitute Liam McDermott were the other Reds goalscorers.
At 5-1 and with the match won, the Reds made a comedic error to give up an own goal. Laurent Honore made a routine back pass to young goalkeeper Daniel Kettensteiner, who allowed the ball to roll under his feet and into the net. It’s one of those things that happens,” Smart said.
Meanwhile, Hoppers will hold a fundraiser on April 12 for the McGrath Foundation.
Breast cancer has hit close to home, with long-time supporter Charlotte Smart diagnosed with the illness.
“Charlotte is arguably our most loyal supporter,” Reds president Steve Lamrakakis said. “Her husband Ken played for our senior team and currently plays in our thirds, and her three sons, Kevin, Alister and Steven, all play in our senior team.
“Her three boys and quite a few of the other players are having their heads shaved after the game to raise some money.” The club had raised $1210 as of Monday afternoon with a target of $5000.
