Tara Murray
North Sunshine Eagles had set their target on promotion as they headed into the Victorian Premier League 2 competition.
While the side under Ben Isai was trying to keep external expectations tempered, results meant that was hard to do.
In the third last round, the Eagles sealed a top two spot and with it promotion.
Isai said they were pretty excited to have that locked up.
“It only sank in on Sunday afternoon,” he said. “We found out we were officially promoted on Saturday.
“I’m super proud of the club. It’s not just a football program thing, it’s club wide recognition.
“It’s great for everyone and super happy to lock it in with a couple of games to spare.”
Isai said previously when they’d been in a situation to be promoted it had usually gone down to the wire.
For the Eagles, it was a crazy few hours in which saw the club get confirmation it had been promoted.
“We had a chaotic game and got there in the last few minutes,” he said. “Essendon [Royals] then ended up beating Altona City which guaranteed it.
“We had gone to a sponsor’s pub to celebrate our win and we knew there were a few people watching it and a few at home giving us score updates.
“I tried to stay away from it until the last 10 minutes when Essendon were 3-1 or 4-1 up.”
It’s the Eagles second promotion in a short period of time, having won FV state league 1 north-west in 2019 to earn promotion into what is now VPL2.
Last season they finished in third spot, four points behind second placed Melbourne Victory which earned promotion.
“We had the right pieces in the team balance and we were able to go one step this year,” Isai said.
“It’s been a long time coming. This stuff doesn’t just happen. It’s pleasing that years of hard work have paid off.”
The Eagles had a bye on the weekend due to the catch up round.
Isai said it had been a hectic few weeks and a little bit of a break ahead of the final two rounds would be handy.
It’ll be a big couple of weeks with a championship on the line.
The Eagles sit top with two rounds to go, goal difference ahead of Melbourne Srbija.
The two teams face each other next Saturday.
“We want to finish first,” Isai said. ‘It’s another one of our aims and it’s in our own hands.
“If we are able to get that result we will be on top heading into the final round of the season.”
