Points on the road are the hardest to accrue but are pivotal for any promotion-chasing team.
Hoppers Crossing banked another three on its travels to Sporting Whittlesea in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 2 on Saturday.
The Reds returned with a 2-1 victory in what could be considered a ‘six-point game’ with both sides close on the ladder and chasing two promotion places.
“Good teams don’t slip up anywhere,” Reds coach Steve Iosifidis told Star Weekly.
“I’ll use [first-placed] Geelong as an example, every week they’re scraping results.
“It’s 1-0, 2-1 and whether they’re playing well or not, they’re getting the wins and that’s the sign of a very good team.”
Hoppers Crossing is such a resilient football team.
No matter what challenge is thrust upon them, the Reds stand up more often than not.
That’s the reason why they are gunning for a third straight promotion.
They may not have the most talented line-up in the league, but they are willing to scrap for every possible point.
“I think it’s what defines this bunch of boys,” Iosifidis said. “That hard stuff, the one percenters and toughness is what oozes out of this squad.
“When you compare us to some other teams, they have what we probably don’t. But what they lack, and we definitely have, is courage, toughness, tenacity and that will to win.”
Hoppers Crossing’s starting line-up was shorthanded for its trip to Sporting Whittlesea, but they proved their talent pool is not shallow as the next man on the conveyer belt rose to the occasion.
Hopper’s goals came from Liam McDermott and Joe Nave, with the latter’s tap-in a reward for his fine work across 90 minutes.
Alister Smart used all of his experience to play a key role and assist in both goals.
Matko Budimir, who crossed from Werribee City in-season, was close to best on ground for his sturdy defence.
With some key matches on the menu in the coming weeks and players returning from injury, the Reds will have a few headaches at the selection table.
“This is almost the business end of the year and now is not the time for poor performances,” Iosifidis said.
“The boys are a little bit on edge and they know if they’re not doing the business, they might get a tap on the shoulder and the next player will do the job.
“If you play well, you’re rewarded for it.”
Hoppers Crossing, just one point outside the top two, will host seventh-placed Fitzroy City at Grange Reserve on Saturday.
