By Lance Jenkinson
Hoppers Crossing is in the midst of a June blitz that has seen it skyrocket into third position on the Football Victoria men’s state league 2 north-west ladder.
The Reds have won all three games this month to go from mid-table obscurities to the top three in a flash.
Their new status as title contenders does not change the mentality of the Reds, who will not look any further forward than Saturday’s trip to Hume United.
They will hit the road with a heap of momentum after a stunning 3-2 away win over Albion Rovers at Cairnlea Park on Saturday.
Reds coach Shaun Barbara described it as the “biggest win of the season” – so far – because of the form of the opponent and the impact it had on the standings.
“It’s crazy, this league,” he said. “You go back to three weeks ago and we were eighth or something and now we’re one point off the top spot.
“At the moment, the boys are justifiably getting what they deserve, but you take nothing for granted. You’ve got to keep getting results, getting something out of games and putting the effort in.
“We take it a game at a time … that’s how our mentality really is and how we’re looking at it.”
Hoppers Crossing is getting the job done at both ends.
The Reds have been organised defensively, conceding just three goals in the past three games.
Their attack, led by the three goal scorers against Albion – Jason Hayne, Shuhei Hasegawa and Alister Smart – along with Liam McDermott, has been firing with eight goals in that three-game span.
Barbara has been impressed with his players’ ability to adhere to team rules, keep to the desired shape defensively and play within themselves.
“You’ve got to be able to do the simple things right and that’s what we’re doing,” Barbara said. “The basics have been spot on.
“They’re doing their jobs, they know what their responsibilities are and they’re executing it as best as they can.
“They’re very clear and understanding of what we have to do each week and what’s expected … they’re almost driving themselves at the moment.
“There’s a really good spirit within the group and they’re pushing each other really hard.”
Goalkeeper Kieron Sharratt had to make two big second-half saves to preserve the three points for Hoppers Crossing.
One was a powerfully struck shot from close range he was well positioned to repel. The other saw him dive high to the right to parry the ball away from the top corner.
“They were going for a big push at 3-2, which is what you would expect them to do as the home side, but the boys were fantastic,” Barbara said.
“They held their nerve, they were really disciplined and organised – and that’s what it takes when you’re playing these good
teams.”
