St Albans has taken care of business so far in the Football Federation Victoria women’s state league 3.
The Saints have accumulated a maximum 18 points in an impressive six-game winning streak to start the season.
Now comes the Saints’ biggest test.
They will meet Hume City, the other side with six wins from six starts and in pole position on goal difference, this Sunday at Broadmeadows Valley Park.
Not only is a cracking encounter in prospect, but it will provide some evidence as to which side deserves to be the early favourite to take out this season’s title.
Saints’ captain Iva Cicak knows her team will need to go up another level on the most difficult of away tests.
“They’ll be our biggest challenge for the season, especially going to their home ground,” Cicak said.
“We played them in the pre-season as well and found they’re a physical side with good players, so it will be a good challenge for our girls and it will be good to see how we step up for it.
“We’re looking forward to it.”
St Albans will enter the game fresh off a massive road victory over Altona Magic on Saturday.
The Saints had a commanding 3-0 win at Paisley Park, withstanding a test from a physical Magic team.
“They’re a good side, so to get that result, away from home as well, it’s definitely very pleasing,” Cicak said.
“We got the points and got the job done, so we’re still undefeated this season, we’re definitely happy with that.”
Christina Bulic hit the back of the net once again for St Albans. Bulic, who plays in the midfield, has scored five goals for the season.
The other goals for the Saints came from striker Jana Colina and midfielder Melissa Saliba-Barich.
A key performer for St Albans was central defender Emily Grgic.
Grgic snuffed out any forward thrusts from Altona and contributed mightily to the Saints’ clean sheet.
St Albans has been a surprise packet this season.
The Saints lost a number of experienced players in the off season and replaced them with some home-grown youngsters.
The team has meshed well under coach Robert Rubinich.
“We had a lot of original senior players depart, so we sort of combined the under-16s and senior girls together and started pre-season early,” Cicak said.
“We had a lot of time to gel as a team and that helped when the start of the season came.
“I couldn’t be happier as the captain.
“We’re just playing well as a team.”
