North Sunshine Eagles have found the balance it was after in the Victorian Premier League 1 competition.
After a bit of a slow start to the season, the Eagles now find themselves in a strong position with five rounds remaining.
The Eagles sit in fifth spot after 21 rounds, with a finals spot currently there for the taking.
Coach Ben Isai said they were really happy with how it was tracking along.
“It has been a good five, six weeks,” he said.
“We definitely found our balance in the league and come at a really good time and importantly with five games to go, there’s some good momentum.”
Isai said they had put down an improved performance down to a couple of different factors.
One of them is having a strong line up on the field each week.
“Stability” he said. “Having pretty much all of the squad available consistently has been a big part and the team has come together really good.
“The experienced players, the younger players have all stepped up their form and it has corresponded with results and performances have been really consistent which is important in this league, the margin for error is quite small.”
With a fit squad the Eagles didn’t look to add many players to the squad during the transfer window.
Aymane Sordo is the key player and has made an instant impact with three goals in two matches.
With a top six spot something they are aiming for, Isai said they were keen to make the most of it.
The top two teams will both be promoted, while the next four will play off for the remaining promotion spot. There’s a gap between the top three teams and the rest.
“First and foremost to be really competitive for the whole year and I think we have achieved that,” Isai said.
“We will definitely be playing VPL1 football if we do make the finals and they don’t go our way
“Now we’re in a position to try and make the most of it.
“The fact we are there now is important, it’s in our own hands.
“We have two really important matches coming.”
The Eagles had a break on the weekend with a catch up round across the National Premier League and VPL competitions.
Despite the good run of form, Isai said it had come at a good time for them ahead of a busy back part of the season.
“We haven’t had a break this year with all the cup matches and it has been a very hectic schedule.
“It has been good, freshen up a few players and potentially get a player or two back from injury.
“I think it has come at a good time for us.”
The Eagles this week face Melbourne SRBIJA away.
In other matches, Caroline Springs George Cross faces Moreland City on Saturday night.
