Tara Murray
Western United star Connor Pain believes the team’s defence is behind the club’s strong start to the A-League men’s season.
After a 1-0 loss against Melbourne Victory in round one, United kept a clean sheet in their next three games on the way to three wins, including against reigning premier Melbourne City.
For Pain, who scored against Brisbane Roar, said results date back to the work they had been doing since pre-season under new coach John Aloisi.
“Everyone is getting along and we’re a tight knit unit,” he said.
“We are defending really well. It’s starting at the front. Everyone is getting behind the number nine through the middle and all the way back to the goalkeeper.
“It’s a collective job. We haven’t conceded a goal in three league games. We attack as a team and defend as a team and the proof is in the pudding.”
For Pain, the extra focus on defense isn’t completely foreign to him. The last couple of seasons he’s played as a wing back since joining United.
This season he has moved back to a role more familiar to him on the left wing, while also going inside a bit more.
“As a wing back I was used to defending more,” he said. “The last two years set me up to play a more defensive role.
“It’s nice to be a bit higher [up the field] having learnt a lot the last couple of seasons. It’s great, as I’ve played most of my years as a left winger.
“It’s nice to be back up from and getting into dangerous areas more often.”
Pain said personally he was happy with how his season was going, especially considering the role change. He said he was learning new things every day.
He, like his teammates, are hoping that a few more goals would go their way. Pain missed several opportunities against Brisbane Roar before scoring the winner, which had left him frustrated at half time.
“We are getting a lot of chances but not putting them to bed,” he said.
“Once we get one they will start to come. The more chances we create, the more likely we’re going to score.”
Aloisi was full of praise for Pain after the win against the Roar for putting himself in good positions to score and looking dangerous.
Pain said while the side was happy with how they’ve been playing, there was still plenty of improvement to come.
Against the Roar, the club’s three imports all missed due to injury, meaning the side will only get stronger.
“We need to keep on putting in good performances,” he said.
“We need to play complete games. We are playing about 10 to 15 minutes throughout games that aren’t up to good standards.
“Hopefully results will keep coming our way.”
United was set to play Adelaide United on Friday night after deadline.
For the result, go to www.starweekly.com.au
