With six games remaining in the regular league season for Sandringham, finals are still on the cards, despite a less than inspired start to their 2014 WPL campaign.
Having picked up consecutive wins for the first time all season after dispatching of Cairnlea FC 4-0 at home, temporary coach Deb Nichols has insisted a win next week is crucial, should they continue to harbour post-season ambitions.
“It is a bit of a worry,” Nichols quipped when asked why her sides only now strung together consecutive wins.
“Hopefully it’s three in a row. We haven’t got any room now [for error], we have to win every game to be a chance of finals.”
The term “six pointer” never seemed as apt as Sandringham face up against sixth placed Box Hill United on Friday night in a game which could decide the make-up of the final five a month before seasons conclusion.
“It’s a six pointer against Box Hill, we have to win basically to keep in touch with Heidelberg and Box Hill for that fifth spot, so it’s a very important game,” the coach said.
“We have to aim for finals or else there’s no point. So were still aiming, we just have to keep winning.”
Focusing on Monday night’s clash, Nichols was disappointed to see her side take the foot off the pedal after a 3-0 first half – despite Sandringham eventually running out comfortable winners.
“In the second half we only had the one goal. I would’ve preferred it if we went on with it a little more but at the end of the day, I’ll take the 4-0. No injuries, everyone’s come out of it ok.
“We weren’t planning [on it] but they took the foot off the pedal 10 minutes into the second half and went into cruise control.
“Whether they were thinking about Friday, I don’t know, but I would’ve preferred it if we went on with it. But like I said I’ll take that win.”