Murray United’s 2-0 loss to NPL giants South Melbourne at La Trobe University Oval on Friday night produced plenty of positive signs for the Border outfit.
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The side competed well against the team largely tipped to join the A-League next season and had the opportunity to give some of its younger players experience on the big stage.
United’s Football Operations Manager Marcus Copsey said the club was pleased with its performance.
“South Melbourne are a quality side and we saw that on Friday night and also on Saturday when they played Canberra,” he said.
“I thought we played well. We had to play a different style than we looked to play and were on the back foot for a bit.
“In the second half, we showed a good account of ourselves and a couple of the young boys came on and did themselves proud.
“We started off with a fairly strong team, but by the end of it we had players who were in the under 16s and under 18s last year, which is fantastic for the club.
“The reason we are here is to promote youth through the ranks and get them to a bigger stage, whether that be the A-League, Europe, or even just Melbourne NPL teams.
“They probably hadn’t played in front of that amount of people before, so for them to have that experience going into the season against one of the best NPL teams in the country is only going to help them and the club.”
Head coach James Coutts ruled himself out of the clash after a niggling injury at training and didn’t want to risk further damage only two weeks out from the season proper.
By the end of it we had players who were in the under 16s and under 18s last year, which is fantastic for the club.
- Football Operations Manager Marcus Copsey
Newly-recruited goalkeeper Abdulkerim Koc withstood plenty of attacks from South Melbourne in an impressive debut for Murray United, while Lionel Masudi’s injection into the game in the second half, alongside a number of younger players, lifted the home side.
“When those young players came on later in the game, it didn’t change how we played,” Copsey said.
“We still played with the same intensity and skill set.”
Despite a huge morning downpour on Friday, the pitch was in excellent condition as a crowd of more than 300 watched on.
“It was very pleasing and I hope those (crowds) continue throughout the season,” Copsey added.
“It should be a very exciting season with promotion and relegation and I think we’ll surprise a few people this year.
“When we play Box Hill on February 4, I want to see even more people there.
“If we can get a big crowd and a good result and set the tone for the season, I think it will be an exciting year for the club.”
Murray United will finalise its preparations for the round one clash against Box Hill with its final practice match against Bendigo-based Epsom FC this weekend.
