Thunder hope for breakthrough

By Gavin Staindl
DESPITE losing 3-0 to Richmond Eagles at home, Dandenong Thunder coach Stuart Munro is still optimistic about his side’s chances against league leaders Oakleigh this Friday.
According to Munro the Thunder played well in the opening 20 minutes when the Eagles scored their two goals and had opportunities after the half-time break to score but could not find the back of the net.
Dandenong controlled the play in the opening 20 minutes but mistakes in the midfield caused turnovers that resulted in two goals.
After the half-time break Dandenong had their chances through Joe Di Iorio and twice through Ryan Davidson who both had their shots saved by Richmond keeper Stjepan Gal.
Hamlet Armenian also had a chance to halve the scoring margin but his shot slammed into the far post and rebounded away.
Dandenong were inconvenienced prior to kick off by the loss of strong defenders Levent Osman and Marcus Stergiopoulos from last week’s match against Hume.
“They were a massive loss … we had to shuffle positions and try new things,” Munro said.
To frustrate the Thunder bench further, defender Aaron Wilford was given a red card for his rough tackle from behind on Dimi Tsiaras.
The 10-man outfit struggled to contain the Eagles and man-of-the-match Jesse Krncevic added to his first goal assist by scoring the final for the match to take the score to 3-0.
“At 2-0 a goal would have made it interesting because there is a big difference between 2-0 and 2-1 but as it turned out we could not score and they did,” Munro said.
Nevertheless, Munro remained optimistic about the performance – and his side’s chances this week against Oakleigh.
“We created more scoring chances this week and it was something we couldn’t do last week (against Hume).
“We will have our back against the walls (this week) but we’ll sort it out,” Munro said.
With Wilford suspended and Osman, Stergiopoulos and Jeff Bright who limped off with an injury, all doubtful for this week, Thunder will again play with a half-strength side.
“They (Osman, Stergiopoulos and Bright) did not train last night and are highly unlikely to play but I don’t know yet.
“We are going through a hard period but it may have the opposite effect.
“With these guys out it brings in new people keen to impress so we might do alright.
“Just have to do the best we can with what we’ve got,” Munro said.