By Lance Jenkinson
Williamstown had to draw a line in the sand and get its campaign moving in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 3 on Saturday.
After claiming just one point from their opening two matches and conceding an inordinate six goals in the process, it was time for the Blues to stand up and show the competition what they are made of.
What better time for Williamstown to break the shackles than a western derby against Point Cook in front of their home fans at JT Gray Reserve.
The Blues produced a commanding performance, winning 3-0 and getting their season back on track.
“At this stage of the season, it’s still early,” Blues team manager Henrik Nielsen said.
“It was important to get a win on the board.”
Williamstown was played off the park in its season opener against Fawkner three weeks ago, but it showed signs of life in the second round against Sunbury.
Trailing by two goals, the Blues produced a stunning comeback to claim a point, gaining some much-needed momentum heading into the Point Cook clash.
It could be looked back upon as an early turning point for the Blues.
Exciting winger Alex Vlassis was the cornerstone to Williamstown’s first win of the season.
Vlassis scored two goals and asked questions of the Point Cook defence each time he had the ball at his feet.
PHOTO GALLERY: Williamstown vs Point Cook
He played with a purpose and his teammates fed off his energy.
“He’s looked dangerous all season,” Nielsen said.
“He’s your classical winger, very fast and he’s not scared of taking them on.
“He definitely makes us look a lot more dangerous when he’s on song like he was today.”
You almost cannot write a story on Williamstown without mentioning Aleks Dimitrijevic.
Dimitrijevic has been a constant threat on the Blues front line for years.
A home grown talent, Dimitrijevic continues to be the spiritual leader of the Blues.
“He scored a goal and he’s also had a very good start to the season,” Nielsen said.
The most important signing for Williamstown was goalkeeper Wes Coles.
The departure of Kiel Zerner to Canberra left a big hole for the Blues to fill.
Recruiting a player with the experience of Coles went some way to alleviating the stress.
“He was solid last week against a really good side and he was good again this week,” Nielsen said.
“It’s good to replace last year’s keeper with another quality keeper.”
Williamstown will host FC Strathmore in a battle of two mid-table sides at JT Gray Reserve on Saturday evening.
In the NPL, Altona Magic roared to a 3-0 win over Bentleigh Greens at Paisley Park.
The Magic has moved up to sixth on the ladder ahead of a tough road trip to Dandenong City on Friday night.
In state league 1, Altona City’s hot start to the season continued with a 2-1 win over Brimbank Stallions on the road.
In state league 2, Altona East Phoenix resides on the bottom of the ladder after three consecutive losses. The Phoenix was pipped 2-1 away to Geelong Rangers.
In state league 3, Altona North has opened up a two-point gap at the top after a 3-1 win over Golden Plains.
Stephane Leblond scored a double for North, while Alexandre Martin added a third.
MORE FFV NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/melton-phoenix-players-rise-to-the-challenge-of-a-tough-game/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/mill-park-shows-its-depth-to-bounce-back-from-loss/
