Coast chases six of best
Indifferent start cast aside with streak of form
A RED-HOT Surf Coast will be aiming to extend its winning streak to six matches when it takes on the embattled Bell Park in the State League 4 derby at the Bell Park Sports Club today.
After starting the season in disastrous fashion, having only registered a draw in its opening six fixtures, the fifth-placed Coasters had a week off for a bye and have since turned around their season with five consecutive victories.
They will come up against a team that entered the season firmly focused on achieving promotion but has watched helplessly as its season’s hopes have started to unravel following two losses over the past fortnight.
“I think confidence — or lack of — has been a major factor and, to some extent, a bit of complacency, especially in our recent game against Golden Plains,” said All Whites coach Ivan Biscan, whose side slipped to sixth on the ladder after a disappointing 2-0 away loss to North Melbourne Athletic.
Star striker Mijo Marinovic, who is away on holidays at the World Cup in Russia, has been sorely missed in the attacking third of the pitch where Park’s final execution has been lacking in recent matches.
“Last week was particularly disappointing not to come away with the win as we totally dominated North on a very poor pitch. In the end, we just weren’t able to capitalise on our opportunities and put the ball away,” Biscan said.
Despite heading into today’s derby the form team, Surf Coast coach Adonis Markoulis is preferring to slap the underdog tag on to his charges.
“It is a local derby and as is the case with all derbies, the form book goes out the window,” said Markoulis, revealing he may be without the services of three key players.
“Ryan Boardman is out with a virus, Jack Taylor is likely to miss with groin issues while Dan Sharp is under an injury cloud and he, too, could miss the game.
“Playing on their own turf, they will no doubt be very motivated against us.
“We are expecting a very tough game.”
Biscan was likewise opting to remain cautious about his own team’s chances.
“Today’s game will come down to the wire. I’m expecting a very close contest and the team that takes its chances is the team that is likely to be celebrating a win at the end of the game,” he said.
A win for either side will keep them within striking distance of second-placed Spring Hills, while a loss will certainly eliminate any slim hopes of promotion.