Melbourne Victory is looking for a return to form when it hosts Box Hill United in the PlayStation 4 NPL2 West.
Victory suffered a 3-1 loss to Springvale White Eagles last time out and is home at Epping Stadium again for Saturday’s clash.
Head coach Gareth Naven said he was looking for a good finish to the campaign from his team.
“Seven games left, obviously well towards the back end of the season, we’re just trying to make sure we finish off strong, making sure the boys are focused on the basics of what we’re trying to do and to execute the basics very, very well,” he said.
“I think that’s maybe Australian football at the moment, especially in youth. It’s about, and the responsibility of coaches is, can we make sure that the basics are executed very, very well and making sure that our players are tactically aware of the demands of the game and the changing situations.
“Those sorts of things have definitely been introduced more within our training sessions, to make sure the boys can adapt to certain situations, because situations and decisions made on the field are not the same and they change second by second, minute by minute.
“The other big focus we’ve tried to make them aware of is how to manage the match in regards to the opposition, in regards to what they’re trying to do, in regards to the results and try and be in control of that.
“It’s another opportunity for us to get better at those things.”
Victory conceded twice late against the White Eagles after Callum Goulding had drawn it level from the penalty spot in the second half.
Cameron McGilp, who was handed his Hyundai A-League debut during the 2016-17 season, and Josh Hope made their returns against Springvale.
Box Hill is seventh in the PS4 NPL2 East and beat Victory 1-0 when the teams last met in 2015.
Victory members receive free entry to all PS4 NPL2 West home games this season. For non-members, tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for concession, with kids under 15 free.
PlayStation 4 NPL2 West 2017 Round 22
Melbourne Victory v Box Hill United
Saturday, July 8, 3.00pm AEST
Epping Stadium, Melbourne
