Tara Murray
St Albans Saints are hoping their win in the sixth round of the Australia Cup will kick start their National Premier League season.
Facing fellow National Premier League side on Wednesday night, the Green Gully Cavaliers, the Saints came away with 1-0 win to progress to seventh round of the Victorian stage of the knock out competition.
In means the Saints are down to the last 10 in the Victorian stage and the Dockerty Cup.
Saints football operation manager Jason Xerri said it was a decent performance.
“We got a goal early in the piece, in the ninth minute through Carter Ramsay,” he said.
“It was a contested game throughout and we did well to hold them off. We had other chances but we didn’t convert.
“There’s a healthy rivalry between the teams, they are our neighbours, it was nice to get one back as they beat us a few weeks ago.”
A win in the next round would see the Saints progress through to the national stage. Xerri said in his time they haven’t made the national stage, saying he thought 2013 was the last time that they did.
‘It’s always great to play in the national stage and get that far in the competition,” he said.
“It’s good for the club, there’s a lot of excitement with that and the Dockerty Cup as well.
“Hopefully we can progress to the next round.”
The win was the first for new coach Cameron Watson, who took over the coaching role two weeks ago.
Xerri said they were hoping this win would give the group some more confidence and help kick start their season.
“It helps with training as well,” he said. “There’s been a shift away from the way we were playing, we’re playing a different style and different system with the way we’re playing.
“We are pretty confident going forward. The win will put us in good stead going forward.”
Watson said it was exciting to be back coaching at a club that he knows so much about. He said getting the win was really pleasing for the playing group that had been there all season.
“It’s nice to be coaching again,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed the last couple of weeks, especially last night.
“It boys played really well and executed what I asked of them”
Watson like Xerri hopes this is a turning point. He said he knows that the next period is crucial in keeping their season alive.
“Hopefully we can turn the tide with positive results and hopefully we make it a good and find ourselves in a good situation the next four to five weeks.”
The Saints were set to be back in action on Saturday against Avondale, after deadline.
Green Gully was also set to be in action on Friday night, against Hume City.
In other Australia Cup matches, North Sunshine Eagles’ run came to an end on Tuesday night losing to South Melbourne, 5-2.
