The rangy import striker netted his second Australia Cup hat-trick in as many games on Tuesday night, quarterbacking the Orangemen to a 3-2 victory on the road and getting the travelling supporters singing his name on the way home.
His 87th minute header stole the headlines at BT Connor Reserve, securing the Suns passage into the next round of the competition and leaving coach Craig Carley chuffed with his side’s recent form.
“Ultimately we went down there for the win and we got that which was great,” Carley said.
“It was good to get minutes into players who probably haven’t played as much as they would’ve liked recently, which shows me we can rely on boys and they’re ready to step up as and when the opportunities arise.
“We’re six on the bounce without defeat, so the momentum’s rolling and things are looking pretty good at the moment.”
Currie grabbed his first two minutes into the match, stretching the legs to bear down on goal from the halfway line and slot the opener past Lalor’s keeper.
He’d hand the Suns a 2-0 lead going into the sheds, belting a through ball home in the 38th minute for his brace.
But Lalor had some sting left in its tail, waiting until the second half to deliver.
Ayodeji Omoboye popped up with a quick-fire double around the hour mark for United, restoring parity and forcing the Suns back into a game.
Though it was left late, Currie’s third – a header off a Jamie England corner – would be the strike to silence the home fans and leave Carley singing his praises in the aftermath.
“He was unplayable, he epitomises everything I want in a striker,” Carley said.
“He’s big, he’s strong, his hold up play is good and he can run in beyond as well.
“There’s no doubting his ability, hopefully it continues and Russ keeps progressing and developing because he’s been a fantastic acquisition as have all of our imports this year.”
Carley also paid credit to the State League Two opposition for pushing his troops all the way.
“They had nothing to lose whatsoever, with us being a higher league team,” he said.
“Fair play to them, they gave us a really good game on a really big pitch to play on.”
The Suns have a chance to go seven games unbeaten this Saturday, gassing up the team bus for another trip south to take on North Sunshine Eagles at Larissa Reserve.
It’s second versus fourth, with plenty on the line for both sides.
“They’re a quality side, they score a lot of goals, but also concede a lot too,” Carley said.
“We’ve watched plenty of footage and done our homework and we’re certainly going to Larissa Reserve for the three points.
“Hopefully we can withstand some of their attacking pressure; I truly believe there will be opportunities at the other end ― I’ve got no doubts it’s going to be an entertaining game.’’
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