Tough start, but improvements on display for Devils

WHILE they may not have the results on the ladder, vibes and spirits are high for Wangaratta City FC’s senior squads as they head into the midseason bye. Senior men’s coach Vitaly Leschen said the goal now was to improve after a lean start to the year in terms of wins and losses. “Obviously, reflecting on the first half of the year, we’re probably further behind than I thought we would be, which is okay,” he said. “We know where we stand now, now it’s really about focussing on the games we need to win to make finals, and hopefully we can get a couple of results against teams further up on the ladder to build some confidence and momentum going into finals, but also looking at next year as well. “The twos are flying, they’re up in third at the moment, and on Tuesday and Thursday we’re getting 40 people to training, and the atmosphere around the group is very good. “I maintain it will eventually translate into results for the senor men, because it starts at the training ground.” The division one women’s side sits bottom of the table with just the one win and two draws, but there are massive positives. The Lady Devils are fresh off holding top four side Wodonga Diamonds to a scoreless draw, and have been playing some scintillating football over the last month. Senior coach Raul Pahina said the squad was enjoying their time playing together, and were seeing the results on game day. “In 12 weeks, all I’ve stressed is playing our style of football, I don’t care about results, it’s about repetition and putting things all together,” he said. “Over the past four weeks, it’s all started to click. “We’re playing consistently, we’re coming through the midfield and creating lots of chances. “Our back four are just incredible at the moment, they’re starting to gel really well – they’re coming up against the top teams and holding their own, which is obviously really frustrating for other teams. “You wouldn’t pick our team’s bottom of the ladder if you’re around us, the atmosphere is just incredible – all credit to the girls, they’re all staying positive and trusting the system, which is really good. “Hopefully in the second half of the season we can start scoring some goals and start to climb our way back up the ladder and hopefully get a shot at finals.” Wangaratta City will return to competition on Sunday, 15 June, scheduled to take on Melrose on the road.

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