Sydenham Park has shown plenty of fight in the first third of the state league 1 soccer season.
The Reds have had their backs to the wall four times already this season but have hung on to record points on three of those occasions.
The side’s only loss came at the hands of Altona Magic in round four and its ability to hang tough has lifted Sydenham Park into fourth spot, cementing it as a title contender.
First-year Sydenham Park head coach Alan Muscat was full of praise for his players’ fighting ability.
“In four of our games this season, we’ve gone into the sheds at half-time behind on the scoreboard,” he said. “The positive is, the boys have really come out to play in the second half.
“While we haven’t won all those games, it’s great to see them fire up in the second half and make it a better performance. Our fitness has kicked in and we’ve been able to finish off strongly.”
Sydenham Park has had three draws in the first seven rounds and the next step is to turn more of its fighting draws into wins.
After drawing no fewer than 10 games last year, the most of any side in the division, Muscat said his side couldn’t let the same thing happen again.
“I wouldn’t have taken the job on if the club didn’t have the ambition to finish in the top four,” he said.
“Nobody likes drawing.”
The Reds continued impressive form on Saturday, beating Keilor Park, 1-0. It takes on local rival North Sunshine in a blockbuster match this weekend.
After being promoted in the off-season, the Eagles have impressed throughout their SL1 debut and are in top spot on the ladder.
