Thunder losses weigh heavily

IT has been a deflating week for Dandenong Thunder.
The Victorian Premier League club slipped to fifth position with a 2-1 loss to Richmond and confirmation the club has been stripped of six points.
The Thunder was shocked by Football Federation Victoria’s series of punishments, but their standing in the VPL dipped further with Saturday night’s home loss to the Richmond Eagles.
Dandenong’s second loss for the season means it remains winless at home against the Eagles since entering Victoria’s highest soccer league in 2009.
The Thunder looked the better of the two sides on Saturday night, but damaging counter-attacks gave the Eagles a 2-0 lead at half time.
Dandenong continued to press and control possession but failed to find a way to score with many shots going wide of the posts or finding the Eagles’ keeper.
Only a converted penalty in injury time prevented Dandenong from suffering its second shut-out of the season.
“It was just another one of those games,” Dandenong coach Stuart Munro said. “We played well enough, pressed in their half for 90 per cent of the game but just couldn’t score.”
“We did have a lot of shots. It was a constant barrage from us, but sometimes we just can’t take our chances.
“We are good at holding the ball but we need to work on that next stage of putting the opportunities we get into the net.”
MEANWHILE, the Springvale White Eagles face a must-win game next week after it lost 0-1 to Oakleigh Cannons at White Eagles Stadium on Sunday.
The White Eagles sit third last, equal on points with the Melbourne Knights, meaning the clash on Sunday between the two clubs will be vital for both to avoid relegation.