Tara Murray
St Albans Saints have secured their spot in the National Premier League for next season after a dramatic turnaround of form.
The Saints have been in the relegation zone for the majority of the season, but results in the second last round went their way to lock in their spot.
With their spot locked in, the Saints then beat Green Gully, 5-0 the following day, to make it five wins in a row.
Saints coach Cameron Watson said the group was really happy to achieve what they had set out to achieve.
“It is a massive result,” he said. “It was good for the whole team.
“We knew that we were safe on Saturday night and it was nice to take the pressure off.
“It is what the club wanted and what we wanted to achieve and we’ve done that.
“We’re looking forward to next season, but we’ve got another game to win before that.”
Before the run of five wins, the Saints had won just three games for the season.
The side had struggled and there was a coaching change to bring Watson and his team in.
Watson said the changes they made at the transfer window were exactly what they needed.
“We bought four new players in,” he said. “They have obviously helped exponentially.
“Leigh Broxham needs no introduction and brings quality and leadership along with a calmness to the team.
“He has been exceptional. Lucas Byrns scored a hat trick on the weekend and Josh Fowler scored a double.
They’ve come in a with a good mindset.
“They’ve bought a level that everyone else has raised to. It’s a good culture and a good changeroom and I put it down to that.”
While the club might have look at what might have been had the found form earlier, Watson said the side was in the position it was for a reason.
He said they would look to take the momentum into the final week of the season.
Watson said he didn’t see the performance against Green Gully, where they led 4-0 at half time before winning 5-0.
He said it was maybe the result was due to the pressure being off knowing they would stay up next season.
The Saints finish their season with a massive challenge, facing South Melbourne which has already claimed the title.
“They are a powerhouse of the competition,” Watson said. “It’ll be a big challenge for us.
“They’ve had a great season and they will want to continue the momentum in the Australia Cup the week after.
“It doesn’t matter who they put out there, it’s another game to continue the run and end with six wins in a row.
“Finish off well and lead into the off season.”
Watson said he is yet to sign on for next season with the club worried about getting the results they were after.
He said he and his team want to continue on.
