Point Cook has not got its recipe quite right for its Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 3 promotion season.
The Jets have been more than competitive in the higher league, and have even put in some commanding performances, but they are third from bottom with a single win after seven games.
Coach Craig Filer is frustrated because of what he sees as self-inflicted wounds.
“Something is just not clicking for us,” he said. “We’re not getting hammered – we’re losing by the odd goal, the odd mistake, a poor decision. That’s what’s costing us.
“We’re going through a sticky stage that we have to dig ourselves out of – it’s as simple as that.”
Point Cook’s 3-2 loss to Fawkner at Saltwater Reserve on Saturday was a prime example of how the Jets’ first seven weeks have gone.
The Jets took an early lead through Farai Murwira, but were pegged back to 1-1 by half-time. They regained the lead through Harrison Reading after the break and enjoyed a dominant 20 minutes.
But instead of slamming the door shut on Fawkner, they fell asleep for five minutes and copped two goals and a defeat.
“We’ve probably out-played our opposition the last four games,” Filer said.
“The Sebastopol game, we had 10 chances to their two. Essendon, we had five or six chances and didn’t take them. Last week, against Strathmore, we got done by a 93rd-minute penalty. And this week, we lost our concentration for two minutes and they scored two goals.”
Nevertheless, Filer is backing his Point Cook players in. He feels it is only a matter of time before the Jets get all the ingredients right and is hoping that will be in Saturday’s important away game against third-placed Upfield.
Upfield is seven spots above the Jets on the ladder, but only six points separate the sides.
“It will come and some day somebody is going to get the hiding they’re not expecting,” Filer said. “Once it happens, I think we’ll be off and running, but we just need that second win to get us going.”
Meanwhile, Jason Hayne scored the equaliser in Hoppers Crossing’s 1-1 draw with Essendon Royals in men’s state league 1.
Truganina Hornets endured a nightmare 8-2 loss to Western Eagles in men’s state league 4, while West Point was beaten 2-1 by Gisborne in men’s state league 5.
Julia Budiongo-Batota fired in a hat-trick to help Hoppers Crossing retain its spot at the top of the women’s state league 2 ladder with a 4-0 road win over Maidstone United.
Point Cook is stuck on one win in the women’s state league 3 after a 2-1 loss to Melbourne University, while West Point endured a 5-1 loss in women’s state league 4.
Lance Jenkinson
