Bankstown City Lions open pre-season with a win
The Lions, ready to make amends for a disappointing season in 2008 ? where the team was ultimately salvaged by an exceptional Tiger Turf Cup run win ? will need to re-find the spark that has consistently seen the outfit figure in finals series football.
The outing against Bonnyrigg painted a positive picture for Peter Tsekenis? side, as good ball movement from the back through to the front-pairing bodes well for the side; even at this early point.
Tsekenis? experience at the back was well complimented by Brett Studman and Richard Luksic, meanwhile the fast-paced wingers Steve Liavas and Shane Webb will again prove to be important in the team?s forward forays.
In the middle, Philip Makrys looks on-song as does central midfielder George Nohra. Having suffered a string of injuries last season, Nohra looks in fine touch early with his confidence on the ball and exceptional vision as he calls the shots from the middle of the park.
Goalkeeper Zlatko Joseski ? arguably one of the most consistent in the NSW competition – is confident his side will take a huge step forward from last season:
?We are all happy with the performance tonight (against Bonnyrigg). We moved the ball around well and even with the changes that we made, I think we have a lot more depth that we had last season.
?Our biggest issue last season was that we had a long list of players out injured, along with suspensions, and our depth wasn?t there, though I really believe that we have more cover this time around,? added the Bankstown City shot-stopper.
Joseski was in good touch against the White Eagles, making three impressive saves ? two from one-on-one situations ? to lead his side to the win; Joseski even managed a goal from the penalty-spot, a rarity for goalkeepers:
?I just picked my spot and hit it as hard as I could, there is no real secret there, but it was great to score and for the team to pick up a win. It?s important we get off to a good start this season,? concluded Joseski.
-By Joseph Carlucci
