Westside Strikers may be sitting on top of the FFV state league 5 west soccer ladder, but they know there’s a long way to go.
In just their first season of senior soccer, the Strikers have made an immediate impact and boast a 7-1-0 record.
Strikers president Sam Raniolo said they were happy with their progress.
“We are travelling along pretty good,” he said. “We’re happy with the start but there’s still a long way to go.
“We’ve played most of the teams, with about another four games until we’ve played everyone.
“We had a good chat last week, that we’ve only just started and we need to step up a gear and keep going.”
Also in promotion contention are the third-placed Deakin Ducks, who the Strikers defeated 5-2 on Saturday.
The Strikers led 3-2 at the break before notching two more goals in the second half.
Hayden Formosa scored twice for the Strikers with Jordan Borg, Joshua D’Alessi and Nicola Orofino also finding the back of the
net.
The match was a special one, with the two clubs playing for the beyondblue Cup. The Strikers, who were behind the idea, wore special blue uniforms for the day and donated money raised to beyondblue.
Raniolo said all at the club wanted to help a cause that affects so many people in the community.
“In one way or another, people have been touched by depression,” he said.
“As a community we want to try and raise money to help people in this situation.”
Raniolo said they had hoped to raise between $700 and $1000, a target they had hit before the match even started.
Melton Phoenix had to settle for a draw in a rough match against Keilor Wolves. Playing under lights, the Phoenix opened the scoring through Carlo Velasquez, who was returning to the side.
The Wolves drew level early in the second half, before they had two players red carded and the Phoenix also had a player sent off.
The Phoenix players had some late chances, but were unable to score.
The Phoenix remains in 10th position.
In state league 4 west, Spring Hills lost 4-1 to Western Eagles.
