By ADEM SARICAOGLU
GREEN Gully’s last few years in the old Victorian Premier League did not start well on the opening weekend of the season.
The Cavaliers’ debut in the new National Premier Leagues competition, though, was a completely different story on Sunday.
Hosting top flight newcomer, Werribee City, Green Gully thrilled the home supporters with an impressive 4-0 win courtesy of two goals either side of the break.
Dangerous playmaker Osagie Ederaro capitalised on the Cavaliers’ possession dominance with the opener in the 37th minute, before Mathew Sanders doubled the buffer two minutes later.
Eleven minutes into the second half Sanders was on hand again to make it 3-0, before Brent Fisher finished the job from the edge of the box to complete the 4-0 romp.
Coach and defender Jeff Fleming told Star he was relieved to get off to a good start against an unfamiliar opponent.
“Werribee was a bit of an unknown to us – so we were expecting a tough game, but I was really happy with the way the boys went out there and the way we played was excellent,” Fleming said.
“It gives us some confidence. Not just last year but the last couple of years our first game has been poor, so I think it gives us a bit of confidence in what we’re doing and what we’re doing is working.
“So now we just have to build on that and keep improving each week and keep picking up points.”
While Ederaro and Sanders caused many headaches in Werribee City’s back third for the entire 90 minutes, Fleming was also complimentary of his side’s defensive efforts in keeping the Bees goalless.
“We struggled to keep clean sheets last year so I think first of all it’s important to do our defensive responsibilities well,” Fleming said.
“I think going forward both Osagie and Mathew Sanders were excellent today and making dangerous runs, and we created a number of chances today, which was great.”
Green Gully will this weekend play a Dockerty Cup fixture against an opponent still to be confirmed before fronting up in its second NPL game of the season away to Dandenong Thunder.
