Truganina Hornets’ struggles on the road continued on Saturday with a 4-2 loss at the hands of Surf Coast in Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 4.
The Hornets have lost seven of their eight away matches this season, with the only road point secured against Golden Plains in June.
Hornets coach Sergio Lunedei laments his side’s road struggles.
“We struggle to get points away from home,” he said. “I think it comes back to a lack of experience.”
Four of Truganina’s road losses have been decided by a goal.
In a number of other games, the Hornets have been competitive right up to the final whistle, as was the case against Surf Coast.
After leaking three goals in the first half, the Hornets pegged two back through Zachary Busuttil and Rivan Perel.
“We had a bad first half,” Lunedei said. “They deserved to be three up – they were playing pretty good football.
“The second half, we were all over them. We scored two goals and were right in the game until the last second, when they scored their fourth.
“We were pretty close to an equaliser, but just couldn’t get it.”
Yet again, it was the soft goals Truganina conceded that proved the difference.
The Hornets tend to switch off and give their opposition a chance, which is why they are third-last and a precarious five points above the relegation zone with two rounds to go.
“Every opponent we play tells us, ‘How the hell are you third last?’,” Lunedei said.
“We give away cheap goals through inexperience. All the effort that we’re putting in is not really coming back. We’re a young squad and we have to limit our mistakes.”
The good news for the Hornets is that their next game will be in the friendly surrounds of Arndell Park Reserve, where they have lost only three times this season.
All four of the Hornet wins have come in front of their home fans, including a 5-0 trouncing of Altona North two weeks ago.
The Hornets will go into Saturday’s clash with the Western Eagles full of confidence.
“At home we’re a different side,” Lunedei said. “We’re really dangerous and every team suffers against us here.”
Lunedei was pleased with the performances of defenders Alistair Cook and Riley Tognolini and midfielders Perel and Yaw Oteng in the loss to Surf Coast.
Point Cook could not close the gap on ladder-leading Sebastopol Vikings, with the sides drawing 2-2 draw at Saltwater Reserve.
Farai Murwira found the back of the net for the Jets, his fourth goal in six outings, while Jonny Dunn made it three goals from the last two when he netted.
In state league 2, Hoppers Crossing dodged a bullet in the title race.
After drawing 2-2 with Corio, the Reds nervously awaited the outcome of the game between Altona City and Fitzroy City.
The 1-1 result meant the Reds remain equal on points with Altona City at the top of the ladder, though City keeps its nose in front on goal difference.
