MILDURA City Soccer Club is in winning form and primed to take on the nation’s best.
City will play Chisholm United this afternoon in round one of the FFA Cup after surviving sweltering conditions last week to defeat Shepparton South 4-2 in the qualifier.
Coach Simon Trembath said the win was the perfect start to City’s 2021 campaign.
“Taking a win and being able to move into the next round of the draw in those difficult, hot conditions last weekend was great,” Trembath said.
“It was really challenging for the guys hitting those 37 and 38 degrees but it was a great way to start the campaign off with a really positive win. The final score was 4-2 which was a really positive win for us.”
“To Shepparton’s credit, they got off the mark really quickly and got in a great goal early in the match,” Trembath said.
“Then it was very much an arm wrestle in the second half. The conditions certainly played a part for both teams throughout the afternoon so we were really thankful we could hold onto the win.”
Two goals were scored by Brandon Pollifrone and Riley Aunger also grabbed a brace.
“It was really great that we were able to respond to being a goal down really quickly and get that goal back,” Trembath said. “Sometimes teams can get their head down after going down a goal early in a game but we were able to get back to the task at hand really quickly, equalise and get back on top.
“We really took our chances which turned out to be so beneficial to us.”
Trembath said after an 18-month break from competitive football, last weekend was a psychological battle.
“Given where we are in our preseason program, it was really a testament to our team’s mental strength,” he said. “Our fitness definitely isn’t at our peak at this point in preseason so there was a lot of mental strength that was required to get through the game … particularly in the second half.”
Chisholm United are a state league four team from Melbourne.
“Some of their players who have played at a very high level are very, very competent players,” Trembath said. “We know they are going to be a great challenge for us.
“But we’re looking to get out there and make a really strong showing. We hope having the home ground advantage and not having to travel will play to our advantage.”
The coach said there is a growing air of positivity about the Mildura soccer team.
“We trust in our patterns of play and the trust within each other in the group is really high,” he said. “Whenever we step onto the park we want to go out and win.
“But what else is really important for us is making sure we’re really enjoying our football. That’s something which is really coming through with the group at training … there is a real sense of enjoyment and everyone is really pleased to be back training with the squad, and being able to get back on the park to play competitive football.”
The coach said City were pleased with the support they received at home last weekend.
“But I certainly think the weather
conditions kept a few people away,” Trembath said.
“We’ve got a slightly later kickoff so hopefully that will bring down a strong turn out from our club and lovers of the game.
“We’re looking forward to getting locals down to watch some high quality football.
“The longer we can keep our run going through the FFA cup the more support we hope will swell.
“Giving the timing and the outlook for Saturday we hope to see a good size turn out to watch the game.
“If you’re in Melbourne you might get drawn to play a team a suburb over but at the same time this weekend we are playing Chisholm United who are driving all the way out here to play.”
