St Albans Saints manager Zeljko Kuzman saw more belief and character in his side in their come-from-behind 3-3 draw with Box Hill United than he had all season at the NPL2 West club.
Having made the tough trip down to Wembley Park, St Albans hit the lead via a Joey Monek strike, but were fast scythed down with three goals coming in quick succession either side of the break.
Rinor Muriqi netted a hat-trick in that period – the first coming from a free-kick, then a penalty and finally from open play – a period in which Kuzman felt was attributable to a loss of concentration.
“I think the first five minutes of the second half and the last five minutes of the first let us down,” Kuzman said.
“There was a lapse in concentration – we gave them a soft free-kick which I think was avoidable, but all credit to the lad who scored a beautiful goal. Second half it probably gave them a bit of confidence, and we were caught a bit flat in the second half.
“We [conceded] two goals, where I think the first one was a bit controversial in terms of the penalty. It is what it is, I’m not going to focus on the decisions of the referee but overall it was a fantastic game if you’re a neutral coming to this venue to watch a game of football, you’d go home pretty pleased.”
A second Joey Monek goal paved the way for an unlikely comeback late on in the second half, before the imposing Barry Devlin popped up to equaliser in the 85th minute with a trademark header.
The fightback was a sign of the progression of the club since the start of the season, and the improvement of character from the Western Suburbs-based side.
“I think our character really shone through today,” he said.
“Just that never say die attitude and the belief of the lads was probably the best that it’s been all year.
“I think when we scored our second goal, that definitely gave us belief. I was confident from that moment that we were going to go on with it. I actually though we were going to win the game.
“The momentum was with us and we were unfortunate not to get the winner but having said that, they had a great opportunity [to win it].
That opportunity came in the form of a point blank effort from Adrian Del Monaco from a Muriqi free-kick, which saw Baird reach with his fingertips outstretched to tip wide the goal-bound effort.
“Alex is an amazing talent. That was a world-class save that kept us in the game,” Kuzman said.
“We were pushing for a winner but it’s just his presence and the confidence he gives us behind the back four is amazing.”
Kuzman also reserved praise for young winger Monek who continued his great start to life at St Albans with another two goals, taking his season tally to five.
“He’s been amazing, he’s definitely a player with tremendous potential,” Kuzman said.
“He’s still got some work to do in terms of his decision making but the raw talent he does have is something to behold.”
Photo: Kun Ji/St Albans Saints