Whittlesea United is firing at the right time.
United is on 38 points and in third place in FFV state league 3 north-west, seven points behind ladder leader Hoppers Crossing.
While top spot isn’t possible with only two rounds remaining, United is equal on points with second-placed Altona City. The top two will be promoted.
Coach Sam Matheas said a meeting between the players and the club leadership group had led to a change in fortunes after a slow start to the season.
“We always knew we had the squad to be up the top, but we had way too many red cards and injuries early in the season. So we had a few meetings on how we could do things better.
“We let a couple of players go and seven to eight weeks ago picked up some other players to give a bit more talent in the young squad.
“We’ve had a more settled line-up in recent weeks.”
Matheas said he knew his team had to win eight or nine games in the second half of the season to be in contention.
It has now won its past seven and taken points in its past 12.
On Saturday, United beat Williamstown 1-0 in a catch-up match.
“At the start of the season we spoke about promotion being our aim,” Matheas said.
“Last year was about stabilising the club and this year we discussed top two and finishing at least top four.
“In the second half of the season we have been the most in-form team of the competition. We want promotion and doing that will, hopefully, get juniors to the club.
“We have no juniors pushing into seniors at the moment and we’re working with Whittlesea council for improved facilities for juniors.”
In other catch-up matches, Plenty Valley Lions lost 1-0 to Watsonia Heights, while Epping City beat Northern Falcons 6-0 in state league 4 north.
The Lions, whose top-two hopes have gone, will play another catch-up game on Wednesday night against FC Strathmore.
With its win, Epping City moved to fourth on the ladder.
In National Premier League 1, Whittlesea Ranges drew 2-2 with Moreland City on Saturday to be seventh on the west ladder.
Tara Murray
