Keilor Park will just about knock any relegation talk on the head if it wins against second-last Altona East Phoenix in the men’s state league 1 on Saturday.
The Parkers are six points clear of the Football Federation Victoria relegation zone with eight rounds to go, and three points would significantly increase their chance of reaching safety.
On the flip side, a loss would see the Parkers dragged into a nervous relegation battle.
Parkers’ president, Paul Portelli, believes there is too much time left in the season to declare which direction his team’s fortunes will take, even once results are in after this weekend’s crucial away clash with Phoenix at Paisley Park. “If we can get over the 20-point mark [the Parkers currently have 15], we could be safe then, but it’s a tight league,” Portelli told Star Weekly. “If you have a run of bad luck, it can turn.”
Keilor Park is coming off a strong showing: a 1-1 draw with top-five side Westgate at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve last Saturday.
Trailing by a goal at half-time, the Parkers left it until the 93rd minute to find the equaliser, a set-piece header from James Johnston.
Portelli praised both sides for producing an attacking brand of football, but he felt the Parkers were unlucky not to claim all three points. “I think we had the best chances for the day, but their goalkeeper [Nikola Kosutic] pulled off some great saves. We could’ve won the game, but one-all, we’ll take that.”
Johnston was outstanding in a utility role for Keilor Park. He was steady in defence early then moved into midfield when coach Anthony Sacco needed a spark. It was a key move. “It was his last game before he goes overseas, so it was a good way for him to finish off,” Portelli said. “He scored a nice header; he’s been a rock at the back and also helps out the midfield.”
David Prosia has been a revelation for the injury-hit Keilor Park. His workrate and distribution have been valuable midfield.
“He’s a young boy who’s stepped up and done very well,” Portelli said. “In the past three or four weeks, he’s really held the midfield together. He works hard box-to-box, runs up and down all day, and has really cemented the central midfield role with a few players out injured.”
Goalkeeper Peter Koukoulis made some fine saves to deny Westgate. Koukoulis is more than a dependable gloveman. “He’s a calming influence over the backline, very consistent and a true professional,” Portelli said. “He works hard at training and is a good influence for the younger boys.”
Keilor Park is hoping leading marksmen Sean Sacco (five goals) and Patrick Grigg (three) will be back after missing the Westgate clash.
