While Strathmore persisted without reward with route one football, Craig Carley’s men played a polished brand which left a smile on the Suns coach’s face at the final whistle.
“I thought we controlled the game very well and dealt with their long ball approach,” Carley said.
“I was really happy to keep a clean sheet and that was something we focused on before the game, so that was really pleasing.
“We played some really good passages and looked composed playing through the thirds and defensively our shape was good.”
A well-worked move down the left-hand flank eventuated in Willie Sauiluma cutting the ball back into the path of the oncoming Adam Gatcum in the first half.
Showing composure in nosebleed territory, the right back guided the ball into the net to give the Suns ascendancy before the break.
Heading out of the sheds, the Suns had little trouble dealing with Strathmore’s advances.
Keeping the pressure on as the second half ticked on, Ellis Williamson’s searching ball sent forward met Vani Shamoon in his stride.
Plucking the ball out of the air with a feathery touch, Shamoon’s square ball landed at the feet of Jamie De Smit who calmly converted, sealing the dagger for 2-0.
The contest came close to boiling over late in the piece when a fracas broke out, but with the whistle sounding minutes after, there was little left to say as the Suns walked off the park winners.
Carley further praised his side's progression as round one creeps closer.
“The team is really starting to implement our style in games and I think that really showed in the first goal which was a great team move,” he said.
“Starting from the keeper, the ball was in the back of the net after eight passes, so that is a pleasing sign for this stage of pre-season.”
● Adam Gatcum has re-signed with the Suns for 2021.
The versatile defender has been a loyal servant to the Orangemen since joining from Cobram Roar in late 2017.
Pleased to retain an experienced head, Carley was joyed at securing Gatcum's signature.
“I’m delighted to have Adam back on board, he’s an excellent player who is very versatile in a number of positions and believes in what we are trying to build here at the Suns,” Carley said.
“His experience and leadership will be key to reaching our goals for the 2021 season and the younger players can certainly learn from Adam’s attitude and application”.
● The Suns have continued to pick up players, announcing the signing of former Murray United operator Darcy Pawlik.
Having strutted his stuff in orange throughout pre-season, the silky number six will add to the side's talented midfield stocks for 2021.
“As soon as I heard of Darcy’s availability he was certainly a player of interest and one I wanted to sign,” Carley said.
“He has come in and really impressed and certainly adds to the quality in the squad. It’s obviously unfortunate what’s happened over at Murray, but all credit to Darcy and a few others for making this move a reality.”
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