Max Hatzoglou
Green Gully’s recent run of games has it as one of the most in form teams in the National Premier League as another Australia Cup continues to give the young team confidence.
The Cavaliers scored four-second half goals to defeat Doveton 4-0 away from home on Tuesday in the Australia Cup.
Coach Stephen Downes was pleased his side could break through the strong defence of Doveton in round six of the Australia Cup.
“We started with the youngest squad we’ve ever put out since me and Stevie Laurie have been in charge,” Downes said.
“Doveton stuck to a game plan of being very structured and they were hard to break down in the first half.
“In the second half we made a couple of changes and it led to us being able to break them down.
“We got fortunate and were gifted the first goal and we built from there but the real pleasing thing for me is, and it’s been the same for the last four games is that we’ve kept a clean sheet.
“That’s the biggest pleasing thing for me at the minute, that everyone’s working out to keep a clean sheet.”
Downes, who has been coach since 2018 and played at the club from 2011, said he has been pleased with his side’s ability to score after struggling early in the season.
The Cavaliers have scored 12 goals from its past five NPL matches to round eight. Before this, the Cavaliers had scored just one goal from five matches between rounds three and seven.
“Apart from a couple of halves here and probably one game, all season we’ve been performing well but been unable to score in a lot of games,” Downes said.
“At the minute, that seems to have turned the corner and we seem to be scoring.
“The performances are still there and the group is working hard which is good.”
After 12 matches, the Cavaliers sit in fifth position on the ladder with seven wins and a draw.
Downes said confidence has played a part in his team’s ability to score.
“We’ve got a young squad so once you get a couple of results, confidence grows and confidence builds,” he said.
“There were ten new signings at the beginning of the season so we’re still working on things.
“We still got a lot of areas to improve and that’s for us to keep working hard at.”
Downes complimented some players who have stood out this season, including defender Jordan Lampard.
“Starting from the back Liam Driscoll he’s playing very well,” Downes said speaking about his goalkeeper.
“His level and standards have been consistent all year. The odd mistake but that’s what happens at this level but he’s been brilliant.
“Jordan Lampard his level week on week is exceptional, I would say he is the best left back in the league.
“And then Luc Jeggo, his game has raised.
“Nahuel Bonada is just getting used to the group and then we’ve got Gianluca Iannucci who’s coming back to a bit of form who has had a few illnesses and injuries which has affected his game.
“I would say the full group really is getting to a level where we want it at this stage of the season, but yet, there’s still another 15 games to go before the season ends.
“So you just want to be mounting a bit of a challenge in mid season, but then, the main thing is at the end of the season.”
Green Gully are set to face Dandenong Thunder on Friday night.
