It’s week three of the State League Division Two and the Footballwa.net “Match of the Week” takes us to the Swan Valley where Swan United entertain Balga at Francis Street. Both sides go into the game undefeated, Balga are coming off a hard fought win against Quinns FC last week, while Swan drew 1-1 at Kelmscott. The last time these two sides met at the venue was in round 16 last season when Swan United moved closer to the top four after a 2-0 win, with goals from James Shamim and John Monterosso.
Balga under the guidance of former Perth Glory keeper Alex Vrteski have had a perfect start to the season but he said they had to work hard last week to come home from Quinns with the points. “I was extremely happy with the level of attitude and work rate against Quinns who made life very difficult,” he said. “But I felt once we scored the third goal it was only going to go one way, and it proved that way.” Vrteski said his side are getting stronger each week and he said the hard work in pre-season is now paying dividends. “We’re tracking along well at the moment,” he said. “The boys have made a positive start to the season and we are continuously improving, and face another tough game on Saturday.”
The trip to Francis Street is never easy and with rain forecasted on Saturday Vrteski said it will be a huge test for his side. “Swan have started off very well with a lot of experienced players which will hold them in good stead,” he said. “But we must be weary of their qualities, however, we will go into the game to attack and hopefully come home with a positive result.”
New Swan Coach Paul Dundo has come into the role after Mike Ford stood down due to work commitments, and he said it’s been a smooth transition. “It was unfortunate for Mike, but I’m happy to be appointed and to be back home, and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” he said. “The lads have been great and we’re working extremely hard to bring success to this football club.”
The Swans came home from Frye Park with a point last week, and Dundo thought they could have secured all three. “I thought we were the better team in the first half and were worthy leaders, but credit to Kelmscott they came back well after half time and got the deserved equaliser,” he explained. “But if it wasn’t for their keeper we would have scored a few more, but we move on to the Balga game on Saturday.”
He is expecting another tough test against the unbeaten Balga side on Saturday, but he said they will be looking for a repeat of the first home game of the season when they beat Quinns. “Our performance in the opening game was great, and I’ll be looking for more of the same on Saturday,” Dundo said. “Aleks has brought in some experience player to his squad, many of whom I’ve had the pleasure of coaching, so it should be an entertaining game and the word around the traps is that we’re playing for the Ex-Gwelup Coaches Cup.”
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