News
HAL: Vanstrattan: We’re ready for the run home
Wed Jan 6 2010
SHOT-stopper Jess Vanstrattan believes Gold Coast United are in good shape as they ready themselves for the final seven matches of their inaugural Hyundai A-League campaign, starting with back-to-back home games against Adelaide United this Saturday (9 January) and Newcastle Jets the following Wednesday (13 January).
Sitting in third place on the ladder, just two points behind second-placed Melbourne Victory and five adrift of leaders Sydney FC (with a game in hand), Vanstrattan says the signs are good as he and his team-mates prepare for a gallop to the finish line.
“It’s been good to string a couple of encouraging wins together before the break and we’ve just got to keep that going now,” Vanstrattan said.
“The Boxing Day win against Brisbane was an excellent result for us and it was great to see so many people come out and support the team. Getting a good crowd behind us was pleasing to see and really helped us, so hopefully we can keep that going too.
“Our aim is to keep pushing for that top spot. We’ve played everyone twice now so there are no surprises as such; it’s all about playing our own game and keeping our form in good shape.”
Having conceded just once in the last two games, United’s gloveman says defensive creases have been ironed out at the right time, with more cohesion evident in recent weeks.
“It’s an important time of the season for us and defensively I think we’ve started to get it right lately,” he said.
“I feel like I’m becoming more consistent and the boys in front of me are playing really well. We’re starting to gel nicely as a defensive unit and getting the kind of understanding we need. It takes time for that to happen and it’s been improving every week.
“It’s all about everyone doing their jobs and I’m happy if I’m playing my part because we want to have a successful season.”
Head Coach Miron Bleiberg believes his team’s destiny could rely on the results of the next two home games, declaring that nothing less than six points will do if premiership aspirations are to be realised.
Having watched his team demolish local rivals Brisbane Roar on Boxing Day, Bleiberg says hard work is the key to finishing the season on a high.
“We have a very important week ahead of us that will go a long way in shaping how our season turns out. For us, the next two home games are ones we have to win, so anything less will be disappointing,” Bleiberg said.
He continued: “The boys enjoyed their break but we are back at work now and everyone is focussed on the job ahead of us.
“They are all working as hard as they can because one of the things we’ve talked about is ensuring that we don’t get to the end of the season and wish we had put more into it. As always, we have to put maximum effort into both training and games.
“I’ve always maintained that we have the quality. If we have the attitude right and the fitness levels right, then the sky is the limit for these players.
“We have always worked towards what we want to achieve for the season and at the moment I believe we are going in the right direction.”
