BARWON READY TO BOUNCE BACK AFTER MAULING BY WOLVES

Barwon SC coach Dale Harris will be hoping the old adage “a week is a long time in football” rings true this weekend when his wounded charges travel to third-placed Moonee Valley United in round 4 of Victorian Men’s State League 4.

Looking to put the humiliation of last Saturday’s 7-0 defeat at home to table toppers Keilor Wolves firmly behind them, the Blue and Whites will be seeking redemption against United at JH Allan Reserve on Saturday.

“Last week we were humbled by a very good Keilor Wolves team and instead a lacklustre Barwon unit showed up,” Harris said, keen to move on from arguably the club’s worst defeat in its 32year history.

“After some serious work and discussions in training this week I wholeheartedly believe we will turn it around. The team showed a different attitude at training this week and the players even stayed behind afterwards for extra fitness on their own. It was a joy to watch.” After signing experienced former State League 1 players, striker Vedran Stojanovic and centre back and captain Jackson

Davis, an undeniable euphoria gripped Grovedale Reserve in the pre-season.

Two first up wins, against West Point and Barnestoneworth United, seemed to justify the excitement of early season expectations, before last weekend’s shock defeat brought everything to a standstill.

However, the Barwon gaffer can see a silver lining in an otherwise dark cloud.

“Last week’s result could have perhaps been a blessing in disguise and a great way to take away complacency from our performances,” he said. “All I can say is, I think we are ready to kickstart our season this week. The way we trained (this week) was like playing finals matches and the way they all picked each other up and pushed one another, I couldn’t have been more prouder of their response this week.”

Meanwhile, in the same division, Surf Coast will be looking to continue its 100 per cent win record when the Coasters host fifth-placed West Point at home on Saturday evening.

The newly-promoted outfit from Wyndham, which has only lost one game – against Barwon on the opening day of the season – promises to be a tough opponent for Denis Holtgrefe’s second-placed outfit. Kick-off at Banyul Warri Reserve is set down for 5pm.