FORMER Altona City captain Adrian Denys capped off his first match as coach with a 3-1 win against Banyule City in the State League men’s soccer north-west division 2.
Denys took over the job during the week after Fab Incantalupo resigned. In his first season with the club, Incantalupo had taken it to one win and two draws from the first seven rounds.
Denys said taking on the position was the right thing for the club.
“They asked me and it’s a challenge, but I just want to see the club move forward.
“I’ve been here for 10 years as a player and captain, and I coached reserves and juniors.”
He said he was happy with the result considering the changes midweek.
“I was hoping for the best and it was a very good win, especially since we were playing away from home.
“I made a few changes, but nothing major … just bringing in a few younger guys.
“We’re looking to work with the players we have and give an opportunity to the guys who come through from the juniors.”
Denys said the team started the slower side and was behind 1-0 at half-time before kicking three second-half goals.
He named captain Tony Saric, who scored two goals, as best-on-field. Denys said the club’s next match in a fortnight’s time against Keilor Park would be a big test.
“We’ve had a rivalry for the last 30 years. There’s a lot of respect between the two teams, but it’s a match we really want to win.”
SCOREBOARD:
SL 1- Altona Magic 2 Dandenong City 1
SL 2- Altona East Phoenix 1 Preston Lions 2
SL 3- Williamstown 0 Cairnlea 1; Yarraville 1 Melbourne University 2
PL 1- Maribyrnong Greens 0 Surf Coast 1
PL 2 Laverton Park 3 Western Eagles 3
PL 3- Melbourne City 3 Brimbank Stallions 2
