Keilor Park will make its return to the practice match circuit this weekend after it was bundled out of the FFA Cup on Saturday.
The Eagles lost 4-3 to Yarraville Glory in a pulsating third-round encounter at Kim Reserve.
Playing under new coach Paul Falzon for the first time in a competitive game since he replaced Anthony Sacco, the Eagles played some breathtaking football on attack, but were found out numerous times defensively.
“It was a bit disappointing,” Eagles president Paul Portelli said.
“They were a bit more sharper than we were today. We made some errors at the back that cost us dearly.”
Five goals were scored in an end-to-end first half and Keilor Park went into the break feeling the better of the two sides, holding a 3-2 lead.
The Eagles twice came from a goal down in the first 45 minutes after goals to recruits Liam Brian and Joel Nikolic.
They would have a one-goal advantage at the midway point courtesy of a curled shot from midfielder Michael Esposito.
Nikolic’s goal thrilled the Keilor Park faithful. Not only is the striker the big name recruit for the season, but he already had strong ties with the club long before his arrival.
“His family has been involved with the club for years,” Portelli said. “He’s our main recruit for the year and is going to be a big asset.”
All the positive energy was sapped out of Keilor Park in the second half. Two more errors in defence left the Eagles high and dry.
The standout for Keilor Park was midfielder David Prosia who never stopped working from first minute to last.
Keilor Park cannot afford to dwell on the result with the state league one season less than two weeks away.
“It’s a bit disappointing, but we’ve had some good pre-season results and hopefully we can turn this around,” Portelli said.
In other FFA Cup results, North Sunshine Eagles gave the Essendon Royals a 6-2 hiding at George Andrews Reserve.
It was a little more subdued but no less effective for Cairnlea in a 1-0 win over Fitzroy City at ABD Stadium.
Westgate got off to a winning start under new coach Kevin Taylor, beating Doncaster Rovers 1-0 at Castley Reserve.
Western Suburbs made light work of Melbourne University, cruising to a 3-0 win at the Knox Regional Football Centre.
Sydenham Park went down 8-9 on penalties against Sunbury United after the sides finished 2-2 after extra time at Keilor Lodge Reserve.
Lance Jenkinson
