Tara Murray
A Leo Lacroix double has ensured Western United continued its unbeaten run in the A-League men’s competition.
Facing Newcastle Jets in Ballarat on Saturday night, United showed some good form to get past a difficult side, 2-1.
Lacroix opened the scoring in the 16th minute through a set play, before scoring his and United’s second in the 52nd minute.
The Jets got one back in the 81st minute to put the pressure back on United, who were able to defend well under pressure to secure the win.
United coach John Aloisi said for a large part of the game they were comfortable.
“They are a very good side,” he said. “They can play good attacking football and they are quick, they can make it difficult for you.
“We felt like we handled that well. In the first half certain occasions didn’t play as much, but it was also about how they press.
“The beginning of the second half we started to have control with the ball and cause them problems with the ball. I thought the first 15 minutes of the second half were really good and we created our chances, [I was] disappointed we didn’t take more of our opportunities that we had.”
Aloisi said he thought they were slightly sloppy in the piece of play where they conceded the goal, but for most part he was happy with how they defended.
He said Lacroix looked really good out there and that the two goals he scored were something they could continue to build on.
“We hadn’t scored a goal off the corner yet and [we’ve said] once we get the first one we’ll get many more.
“We have some big boys who go forward. It’s hard for the opposition who they pick up, thats why we were so pleased to get that first one.
“The second one… We practice a lot at training.”
The win moves United back to the top of the table, with Melbourne City playing on Sunday.
Aloisi said they were pretty happy with how things were going.
“In the last seven games we’ve scored 13 goals, not bad going,” he said. “There’s always positives and negatives you can take out of the game.”
United’s next match is this Friday against Sydney FC.
