Just one month separates the Goulburn Valley Suns from the start of the National Premier League season — and things could hardly be tracking better.
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The Suns put State League One side North Sunshine to the sword, slotting home five goals in a comfortable win.
Impressive off-season signing Ahmet Turer continued prolific pre-season form with another two goals, with Alou Kuol, Firaol Likassa and Joel Charles netting the others in the 5-1 result.
But just as pleasing, for Suns coach Craig Carley, was the appearance of visa signing Jacob Lever, the Englishman looking like a rock in the heart of defence.
Carley said the boiling Saturday heat matched the hot intensity of his side’s on-field product.
‘‘It was a really good performance on Saturday, I think the first 20 minutes was maybe the best 20 minutes I’ve seen in my six years associated with the club,’’ he said.
‘‘It was really dominant, we dictated play in the heat, it was really solid.
‘‘We’ve got every member of our squad here now which is great, four weeks out from the season and both our imports are here. That hasn’t happened in my time here, so it feels like we’re moving in the right direction.’’
Lever’s presence in defence allowed compatriot Jordan Barrow to push into midfield, combining with talented club stalwart Jamie England to form a dynamite partnership.
The Suns play four more matches before February 16’s season-opening trip to the Serbian Sports Centre to face the Springvale White Eagles, with the pre-season campaign continuing on Saturday against Dandenong City.
Carley said new faces Charles and Likassa had impressed and could be part of the set-up moving forward.
‘‘Joel Charles trialled with us last year, he’s 20 or 21, he plays in the front third either up front or on the wing,’’ he said.
‘‘He’s got devastating pace, he’s still trialling with us and we’ll see if we can sign him up.
‘‘(Likassa) played with us a couple of years ago, he’s been playing in Thailand and was at Nunawading and then Werribee City last season.
‘‘We’ve kept in touch since I played with him at the Suns a couple of years ago, he is relocating to Shepparton and that’s another positive sign, we want as many players living locally as possible.’’
37°C