Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Matt Acton remains focused on staking a permanent claim for the number one spot, with two Hyundai A-League fixtures remaining of the 2019/20 season.
Since the restart, Acton has filled the absence of Lawrence Thomas – who recently completed his move to Danish outfit, Sønderjyske Fodbold.
Having started the last three games, Acton is determined to prove his worth as the first choice goalkeeper.
Pushing on, putting in the work #MVFC pic.twitter.com/pKlxqevgkU
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) August 6, 2020
Number One
“This is an opportunity,” said Acton. “It is about putting in some good performances and trying to cement my place in the team going forward.
“Hopefully with these five games it is something I can do and I’m working hard to do that,” said the goalkeeper.
Acton has made 14 Hyundai A-League appearances for Victory since signing for the club in 2016.
“I think overall I have played pretty well in the last three games and we have two more to go.”
Head Coach
Victory’s interim Head Coach, Grant Brebner has provided a number of players with first-team opportunities – including Acton.
“Brebner has been really good. He came in at a difficult time, post isolation and we have lost a lot of players as well,” said the keeper.
The Head Coach was quick to back Acton – confirming him as the number one for the remainder of the season, soon after Thomas’ departure.
“In terms of management, he has been really good. He has brought us closer together and you can see the desire in the playing group – they all want to play for him,” said Acton.
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— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) August 5, 2020
Pride
Melbourne faces Perth Glory and Western Sydney Wanderers in its final two fixtures of the Hyundai A-League season.
Despite Monday’s defeat to Central Coast Mariners, Acton believes Victory can still finish the campaign on a high before rebuilding for next season.
“We spoke as a group after the Mariners game and we said that these next two games, we have to bring some pride back into the club,” said Acton.
“It’s now about putting in two really good performances and trying to get some results. We need to go out there and try to finish the season on a positive note.”