By Tara Murray
North Sunshine Eagles are hoping to carry momentum into the rest of the Victorian Premier League 1 season, after getting their third win on the board.
It hasn’t been the start to the season the Eagles were after as they find themselves in the bottom half of the table after the first nine rounds.
A third win for the season and a comprehensive one on the scoreboard, coach Ben Isai hopes its the start of things turning their way.
“It’s been a challenging five weeks,” he said. “We were back at home and we got the three points which was pleasing.
“There’s been a lot of things. We’ve had our fair share of injuries and suspensions. We’ve also had a number of players fasting which is challenging during games.
“Most of those games were away too.”
Isai said going up a division this season they were finding it much harder to get the wins on the board. The Eagles claimed the VPL2 title last season.
He said the second half against Melbourne SRBIJA had been really comfortable when they were able to turn a 0-0 half time score into a 3-0 win.
“We pulled it together and we were able to keep a clean sheet at home,” he said. “Kaan [Elibol] got three goals and it was super impressive by him.”
Isai said they knew that performance was something that Elibol could produce. He said it had been hard for their attackers this season.
“We gave him the number nine position and he took the opportunity,” he said. “While the squad has had its challenges it means there have been heaps of opportunities for the younger ones and some have taken it.”
The Eagles have a couple of big games before the Easter break.
They were due to face the Manningham United Blues away on Saturday, after deadline. The Blues were sitting a spot above the Eagles, also on three wins.
They are then back in action on Wednesday night, with the Eagles facing Croydon City in the fourth round of the Australia Cup.
Isai said with then a break between matches, it was important to enter that period on a high.
“We need to take that momentum into Manningham and take three points,” he said.
“We’ll look to have a good week on the track and hopefully get a positive result on Saturday and build momentum for us.”
