Surf Coast’s stellar streak faces biggest obstacle

SURF Coast FC will seek to extend its nine-game winning streak this Saturday against the competition’s ladder-leaders.

The club, second in the Men’s State League 4 West competition with 13 wins and three losses, take on Laverton who sit four points in front on the ladder.

Men’s head coach Ash Dafter said one of its three losses came at the hands of Laverton in Round 6, but the first-year coach said his side has changed a lot in the past two and a half months.

“A lot of our messaging will be focusing on the fact that we are not the same team compared to the last time we played Laverton.

“We’re a lot more together, a lot more confident, and our understanding of our style of play and belief is just so much higher at this stage in the season.”

Surf Coast FC secured its ninth-straight win against regional neighbours Barwon Soccer Club last weekend, defeating its rivals 7-2 at Banyul Warri Reserve in front of a big crowd.

Neither Surf Coast nor Barwon gained an upper hand in the opening 30 minutes.

The visitors tested Surf Coast goalkeeper Joel Gawne on multiple occasions in the first half.

Gawne stayed strong in front of the net before Jasko Ikanovic hit the scoresheet twice on the eve of half-time.

Surf Coast scored on five further occasions, while Barwon SC had two goals of its own in the second half.

“Something over the season that has really improved is our relentlessness, which has in turn opened up more space for our midfielders and strikers,” Dafter said.

“We’ve been very clinical in front of goal in recent weeks, and we’ve capitalised on our opponents; Barwon SC is an example of that.”

Dafter’s team has not lost a game since May 6, which was against Mooney Valley Knights FC (3-1) in Round 7, who they play at home next weekend.

Surf Coast FC president Brett King said the local community was rallying around its men’s soccer side at an important stage of the season.

“It was great to see such an amazing turnout for the game on Saturday.

“The grandstand was overflowing and the newly fitted out clubroom had an amazing feel with so many kids enjoying themselves.

“The vision of the club over many years is finally starting to come together.”

Surf Coast FC can automatically qualify to State League 3 if they finish the season on top of the ladder.

The season concludes on August 26.