Surf Coast exceeding expectations early

NEW Surf Coast FC coach Ash Dafter and his side will have their work cut out for them when they take on State League 4 West frontrunners Moonee Valley Knights this Saturday, May 6, but Dafter says the side is gelling well early on.

Surf Coast boasts the highest number of goals scored as a team through six rounds, following dominant wins over Bell Park Soccer Club, Barnstoneworth United, Moonee Ponds United and Barwon Soccer Club, but are fresh off a 1-3 defeat against Laverton last weekend.

“The side is coming together really well on and off the pitch, and I think a lot of that is coming down to how we interact with each other away from the games,” Dafter said.

“Friendships are starting to form away from the club and we’re seeing those connections and we’ve enjoyed some really fantastic results with four wins and two losses.”

Jasmin “Jasko” Ikanovic (8), John Pykett (8) and Riel Mayuom (3) have led the goal charge, combining for 19 of Surf Coast’s 24 goals this season, with added contributions from Christian Mahon, Jak Banks and Marcus Peixoto.

Dafter continues to lean on long-serving captain Tom Langman and 34-year-old stalwart “Jasko” as the “elder statesmen”, with both providing valuable contributions in what the coach considers a very “team-oriented” style of play.

“Jasko has been outstanding to this point with the effort that he has put in to this point, he had a terrific pre-season getting into shape and continues to play a crucial role for this side,” he said.

“Tom knows better than anyone about what this side means to the Surf Coast and what we’re trying to push, he’s also helped a lot of the new boys settle in and has provided a valuable stabilising force this season so far.”

Surf Coast and Moonee Valley kick off on Saturday at 3pm at Fairbairn Park. Surf Coast returns home to Banyul Warri Reserve next Saturday to host Truganina.