Tara Murray
St Albans Saints are focused on trying to avoid relegation from the National Premier League competition.
The Saints have struggled this season with just four wins this season, the last coming in the most recent round.
Coach Cameron Watson said the win against Heidelberg United is a much needed one.
“It was definitely nice to win at home considering the amount of games we’ve had at home,” he said.
“Hopefully it’s a stepping stone for the last month of football. We’re unclear how many go down so we want to be out of the bottom two.
“We need to make sure we are third last or above.”
Watson said the win against Heidelberg United was one that would give the side plenty of confidence in the run home.
Heidelberg United sits in the top six and is aiming for a finals berth.
The Saints scored in the second half to win 1-0.
“The first 20 minutes was cagey by both sides,” he said.” hey had a couple of first half chances and in the second half as well.
“We had our two or three chances, which included the goal.” It was good that the boys didn’t let them come out in front and we kept a clear sheet.
“We haven’t had too many of those games.”
Among those to run out for the Saints was former Melbourne Victory captain Leigh Broxham in his first game for the club.
Watson said it was exciting to see him out there and had given the club a boost.
“He was great,” he said. “I’ve known him for such a long time.
“I gave him a call and he said why not. He’s been playing so long he was probably missing the game.
“Hopefully he can help me and boys. It all happened quite quickly and he was able to play the whole 90 minutes.
Oliver Dragicevic, Lucas Byrns, Michael Martinovic, Ryan Mudaliar and Josh Fowler are other new signings.
Watson said all the boys who got out there for their debuts played really well.
With the win the Saints sit in 13th spot after 21 rounds, just one point behind Manningham United Blues.
The Saints are set to face Altona Magic on Sunday in round 22.
The Saints play all but one of their games at home on the run home.
Watson said the biggest thing for them was making sure they are mentally switched on for every game.
“It doesn’t matter who you play,” he said. “Heidelberg is a good team with some good players.
“We want to try and repeat those efforts no matter who we play.
“Half of the balance is mindset and turning up and being motivated. Physically we know what is required.
“We want to keep improving and put ourselves in a good position.”
