Hoppers Crossing took a step in the right direction on Saturday despite not coming away with the points in the FV state league 2 north-west.
The Reds started the season in disappointing fashion and were keen to bounce back on Saturday against Altona East Phoenix.
The Phoenix proved too strong on this occasion, winning 2-1, but for Reds coach Kevin Smart it wasn’t all negatives.
“The first game was really disappointing,” he said. “How we played we didn’t deserve to get anything out of it.
“This week was a big difference. They are a side that should win the league.
“It was disappointing not to get the result. I think a draw overall would have been a fairer result.”
Liam Zacharias was the goal scorer for the Reds.
Smart said the performance they put out would give confidence to the playing group.
“We have a young team, a whole new side together,” he said. “A lot are under-23. It gives that confidence and that has to be the standard every week.
“We want to be challenging up the top, not down the bottom. A little bit more experience as we go along will help
“We are creating chances and playing well, just not getting the result in the league.”
It hasn’t been all bad for the Reds, who are through to the fifth round of the Australia Cup for only the second time.
They knocked off state league 1 north-west side Brimbank Stallions in the previous round. The Reds face state league 3 north-west side Westvale on April 24 in round five.
Before then, they face Western Eagles in the state league competition on Saturday.
Smart said it would be another challenge.
“Another top team,” he said. “They’ve scored nine goals in the first two games.
“They are another team aiming for that top two. We will go out and try and attack and try and get the result.
“We won’t change the way that we play. We’ll try and score goals and play proactive football.”
In state league 3 north-west, Point Cook suffered a 3-0 loss to the Sebastopol Vikings, after the Vikings led 2-0 at half time.
In state league 4 west, West Point got its first win of the season, beating the Westside Strikers, 1-0.
The goal to Marcus Sherif came in the first half.
Truganina Hornets are still without a win, losing to Balmoral, 2-0 on Saturday.
In state league 5 west, Wyndham had a 1-0 win against Spring Hills. It was Wyndham’s first win of the season.
Tarneit United had a bye.
Tara Murray
