Despite surrendering a 2-0 half-time lead to the Whittlesea Rangers last weekend, Jones said his team had proven they could play a style of football good enough to challenge the league's best.

“Our first 45 minutes last weekend was as good as we've looked all season,” he said.

“It certainly helps us when we have Archie (Thompson) in the side, it frees up the other forwards to really go for it and play with some freedom.

“We want to get a win, we don't want to limp to the line.

“The last two weeks we've played games we were in and on another day, should have won.”

The risk of relegation still hovers over United, however if last placed Nunawading lose this weekend, the Border side will keep their place in the NPL2 competition for another season.

With Nunawading set to face frontrunners Dandenong City, there is a strong likelihood Murray United will be safe, but Jones’ preference is not to leave it to chance.

“We'd prefer not to rely on Nunawading losing, we'd rather take things out of their hands completely with a win,” he said. 

“I would hope nobody is going through the motions just because it's late in the season – I'm certainly not.

“You can’t always be at your best, but when you're not it's about absorbing pressure and game management.

“That's something we lacked last week and has already been a focus for us this week.”

Murray United return to La Trobe this Saturday to take on Langwarrin SC, who are placed sixth on the ladder with eight wins.

Kick-off will be at 3pm.