ALTONA North could be in for a big winter if its Football Federation Victoria State Knockout Cup opener is any indication.
The metropolitan-leaguers caused a massive boilover to beat provisional-league Western Eagles 3-2 in a summer sizzler at the Polish Sports and Recreation Centre in Albion on Saturday.
Thrilled North captain Jimmy Naumovski said it was the kind of performance that should set the tone for the rest of the season.
“We’re very happy with the result,” he said. “The boys will get heaps of confidence out of that game.”
It was a see-sawing encounter from the kick-off.
Spirits were raised in the North camp when elusive striker Dylan Byrnes latched on to a through ball for the go-ahead goal.
The Eagles wrestled back control on either side of the half-time break with goals to Adrian Pugaric and Maciek Slodyczka.
That was the only period in the game where the Eagles had full control, and it didn’t last.
North equalised through first-gamer Josh Davies before Byrnes made it a double with a winner. His killer instinct in front of goal was the difference.
“He produced a high energy performance,” Naumovski said. “He’s always putting tackles in and pressuring the man, doesn’t stop trying.”
Adam Watmore pulled the strings in the midfield for North. He’s another North player who doesn’t seem to run out of puff over 90 minutes.
“He’s always getting stuck in,” Naumovski said. “He’s one of those guys who doesn’t seem to stop running.
“Even in the last 10 minutes, he’s still our engine room.”
North have lofty expectations this season. They are eager to go one better than their second-place finish last season.
“Every year we look to build on our previous season,” Naumovski said.
“It was disappointing to finish second last year. We’re keen to take the title and are not going to settle for second.”
North is undoubtedly in safe hands.
Robert Casha is a long-time coach of the team and is back for this year’s campaign.
“He’s a club icon,” Naumovski said.
“He’s been around for as long as I can remember.
“He gives us a lot of encouragement. He’s always available to speak to the guys and he’s direct with what he wants from you. The guys are happy to play for him.”
Yarraville Glory, meanwhile, eased to a 2-0 win over South Yarra in its second-round tie at the State Football Centre, Thornbury.
