Lance Jenkinson
The early-season blues are a thing of the past for Green Gully Cavaliers after a stunning 3-0 win over Oakleigh Cannons on the road in the National Premier League at Jack Edwards Reserve on Friday night.
After losing their first three games of the season, the Cavaliers have hit back with consecutive wins to move into the middle of the pack.
Cavaliers coach Stephen Downes said the players faith in their own ability was never tested during a rough start to the season.
“The buzz never went away,” he said.
“It was a fantastic result, not just for people to see, but for the group to see.
“There’s not going to be many teams going to Oakleigh and getting a result because they’re a good side with a lot of quality individually.
“Our performance from the first minute to the last was pleasing to see for everyone.”
Alex Salmon was the catalyst for Green Gully with a goal scoring double.
The Englishman scored the Cavs first and last goals in the win, one in either half, with Nick Georgopoulos scoring the second in between.
“I’ve said it from day one that I’ve not worked with a better natural finisher than Alex,” Downes said.
Boom recruit Stefan Nigro is working his way into strong form for Green Gully.
A former Melbourne Victory player, Nigro’s preseason was cut short by injury, but he is working his way back to full fitness.
“He’s been involved for the last three games and week on week he’s showing more of his quality,” Downes said.
“He’s got experience at a higher level and we know of his quality.
“It’s just getting to know the boys now, the patterns and training, getting to know each individual.”
One of the big changes for Green Gully was captain Jeremy Walker going from right back to central midfield.
It is move that is starting to pay dividends for the Cavs because of Walker’s two-way assets.
“He’s stepped into a new role this year in central midfield and he did a fantastic job nullifying a lot of the Oakleigh attack using his defensive smarts,” Downes said.
“As the season goes on, you’re going to get to see a very good central midfielder.
“He’s getting more used to his position, so I’m looking forward to seeing how good he can actually be in there.”
Green Gully will host a struggling Altona Magic at Green Gully Reserve on Friday night.
In other round five matches last weekend, Melbourne Knights copped a 6-1 battering at the hands of Avondale at City Vista Recreation Reserve, leaving them without a win.
St Albans Saints had a nil-all draw with Eastern Lions at Churchill Reserve.
Lance Jenkinson
