HOPPERS Crossing comprehensively outplayed Western Eagles to win 2-0 on the road at the Polish Sports and Recreation Reserve on Saturday and maintain its hold on top spot in the Football Federation Victoria men’s provisional league 2 north-west.
Reds coach Joey Vella was impressed by the professionalism shown by his players, who kept their shape in windy conditions and on a bumpy playing surface to ensure goalkeeper Shaun Page was rarely called into action.
“It was a really professional win,” he told the Weekly.
“We controlled the game from start to finish.
“Our defensive work was excellent, we never really got threatened all day.
“We controlled the tempo of the game with our ball movement.”
The Reds had to get their hands dirty to pick up the three points.
It was a real workman-like showing from a team better known for its attacking flair.
Vella said the time devoted in the off-season to making the Reds a tougher defensive unit shone through in the opening round of the season.
“We’re a much better defensive side this year,” he said.
“It’s the best defensively we’ve been in my time at the club.
“Our pressure work on the ball and our shape has been really pleasing.
“We’ve got the firepower to score goals so it’s
a matter of being patient and keeping a clean sheet.”
Of course, the Reds have one of the more lethal weapons in attack in striker Alister Smart.
He is scoring goals for fun this season and bagged another two at the weekend.
Twice he was on the end of strong build-up play from teammates.
For the first goal, in the 30th minute, Smart was the final participant in the play after a scintillating build-up from winger Zia Sherzai and his brother Steve, and five minutes from time, took the ball off the foot of Brett Gilmore to score.
Joe Nave pulled the strings in the midfield for the Reds.
Vella praised the dependability of his pulse in the centre of the park.
“He’s probably been the one player that’s been there since I started coaching at the club,” Vella said.
“He’s always pretty consistent, you know what you’re going to get from him.”
Robbie Nagy relished his first start in defence, repelling any attacks that came his way.
The Reds travel to Bell Park on Saturday.
