Coach sends out rallying call

By Gavin Staindl
THE player/coach of the Dandenong Thunder soccer team is calling on all Thunder fans to get behind his team for Saturday’s do-or-die clash.
The Victorian Premier League side must win its home match against the Melbourne Knights to remain in finals contention – and Steven Gray is hoping his players will have the backing of a vocal crowd.
“I hope the fans get behind our lads,” Gray said.
“For the players that are still here, we have worked so hard all season even when everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong … but it is important now the fans stick behind us.
“Either we throw in the towel and give up, or we keep fighting … I think there is only one option. We are going to finish the season strongly.”
Saturday’s game becomes a must-win for Dandenong after it dropped a 0-1 lead to lose 2-1 to Bentleigh Greens at Kingston Heath Reserve on Friday night.
Feston Azizi gave the visitors the early lead in the 24th minute, but it all came unstuck half an hour later when Greens’ left winger Ryan De Vries equalised.
De Vries then scored again 15 minutes out from full time to give Bentleigh the win.
“He (De Vries) was the difference,” Gray said.
“It was a really big game, I’m not going to try and say it wasn’t, but all I’m doing now is focussing on Saturday.”
Gray is expecting his starters will be available for the important clash, despite pulling himself and Luke Sherbon from the field.
An hour into the match, Gray had to withdraw because of soreness in his fractured jaw, while Sherbon was subbed minutes later due to precautionary measures.
Gray, who is also a physiologist, did not want to risk his star player re-injuring the knee that kept him out for over a month.
On a brighter note, captain Veton Korcari returned from a five-week injury and while his impact on Friday night was minimal, fans were content seeing their captain on the pitch again.
MEANWHILE, the Springvale White Eagles conceded four goals in 10 minutes to lose 5-1 to Northcote City at White Eagles Stadium on Sunday.
Goran Zoric scored in the 68th minute, giving the home side a share of the lead, but two minutes later Northcote scored the first of four goals to run away with the match.