IT’S raining goals for Hoppers Crossing in the FFV State Knockout Cup.
The rampaging Reds have scored 15 goals in 180 minutes – albeit against lowly metropolitan league opposition.
The provisional leaguers moved into the fourth round with a ruthless 6-0 display over Altona North at the Grange Reserve on Saturday.
Coach Joey Vella is impressed with his side’s work rate and attitude heading into Saturday’s regular home opener against Plenty Valley.
“It was a very good performance to lead into the season with,” he said.
“Our ball movement, our running off the ball and defensive structures were excellent.”
The latter point is what impressed Vella the most.
The missing piece in the jigsaw puzzle for the Reds in recent seasons has been their flimsy defence.
They have challenged in the upper echelon of the men’s provisional league 2 north-west ladder without being able to seal promotion and that is not for a lack of goals.
“The focus all pre-season is to get our defensive structure right,” Vella said.
“We’ve gone out with an extra defender and it has worked.
“We’ve got four at the back and we’re a lot tighter in the middle.
“I don’t think it will cost us in attack because we’ve got quick players up front and creative players in the midfield.”
Star striker Alister Smart continued his fine form in front of goal with a double and Tom Orndahl, Michael McDowell, Kevin Smart and Brett Gilmore also got on the scoresheet.
It was Kevin Smart’s first game back from suspension and he had a massive impact on the right win.
“He created two goals and scored one,” Vella said. “He’ll certainly be better for the run.”
Orndahl was the chief playmaker for the Reds, the central midfielder inking his name in the starting line-up for round one.
“He started the first half of last season in excellent form and had a flat spot in the middle,” Vella said.
“He’s worked his butt off this pre-season to get back in the senior team.
“His ball disposal is second to none and he’s one of the fittest players in our team.”
Goalkeeper Kristijian Naumovski would have been relieved to keep a clean sheet.
He let in six goals in an earlier pre-season game but thwarted all Altona North’s chances.
“It’s a good confidence builder for him,” Vella said.
“He grew as the game went on.”
