By Lance Jenkinson
Bit by bit, the Western Eagles are building – but they are still at least a week away from a breakthrough victory in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 3.
The promoted Eagles are still coming to grips with the tougher level of competition and have yet to fully tap their potential.
After a concerning 4-1 mauling at the hands of Sunbury United in the season opener, a vast improvement was delivered in Saturday’s scoreless draw with Point Cook at the Polish Sports and Recreation Complex Eagles – much to the satisfaction of coach Patrick Mangion.
“It was a nil-all game, but we did play well – much better than last week,” he said. “We just went back to basics, went back to doing what we know works for us and what’s best for us.”
Western Eagles felt like they could have secured all three points.
They found the back of the net on one occasion, but it was ruled out for offside.
“We did score and the officials stuffed it up,” Mangion said. “They called it offside, but they know it shouldn’t have been. It makes it worse when they tell you after that it should have been a goal.”
There were concerns defensively for the Eagles after conceding four goals in week one.
“We held strong,” Mangion said. “They had their moments, but nothing clear cut. We defended well.”
Mateusz Kowalski was a lynchpin in the midfield for the Western Eagles.
Frank Proietto and Matthew Napoli worked on either side of Kowalski, getting stuck in defensively while also providing an outlet going forward.
Western Eagles will go in search of their first win of the campaign when they travel to
FC Strathmore on Saturday.
Photo Gallery: Western Eagles vs Point Cook
Elsewhere in state league 3, Westvale was left with a sour taste after a 3-0 battering from Lalor United.
In state league 1, Sydenham Park has started the season on a positive note with two wins from two starts. The Reds got the better of new local rivals Caroline Springs George Cross 2-0 at Keilor Lodge Reserve after goals to Reardo Luka and Juso Julardzija.
Brimbank Stallions are celebrating a first win at the level after bringing down Essendon Royals 2-1.
Keilor Park snared its first win of the season by beating Banyule City 3-2 after goals to Kazuki Okada, David Prosia and Keegan Linderboom.
In state league 2, Albion Rovers had an impressive 3-1 win away to Hume United. Kemal Irdem fired in a double for the Rovers.
Vedran Stojanovic was the talk of the team after scoring a hat-trick in Westgate’s 3-0 mauling of Altona East Phoenix.
Western Suburbs went down 2-1 on home soil to Epping City.
In state league 4, Westside Strikers played out a six-goal thriller with Melbourne University in a game that ended 3-3. Addisu Gebrehiwot and Raul Isac scored for the Strikers.
Spring Hills snared all three points after a 2-1 win over Melbourne City was sparked by a double from Rocky Calfapietra.
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