Melbourne Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton believes his team have every chance of making an impression if they can secure a place in the Hyundai A-League finals.
Melbourne Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton believes his team have every chance of making an impression if they can secure a place in the Hyundai A-League finals.
Heart sit fifth on the league table, level on points with the sixth-placed Newcastle Jets, and three points ahead of the Sydney, who are seventh.
With three rounds of the season remaining, Heart must hold off Sydney’s challenge if they are to secure a finals berth for the first time in what is just their second campaign in the competition.
John van ‘t Schip’s team are unbeaten in three matches following victories over Gold Coast United and league leaders Central Coast Mariners, followed by a 1-1 draw away to reigning champions Brisbane Roar.
And their impressive recent results have left Bolton confident of hanging on to an all-important spot in the top six.
“There’s no doubt on any given day that any team can take out this finals series,” Bolton said.
“It’s all about momentum now leading into the finals … being in the right form at the right time.”
“And there’s no doubt we’re starting to ascend again in regards to form, which is very pleasing after a long run without results.”
“We’re slowly building, getting good results against good teams.”
Heart found themselves as high as second in the standings following a run of five wins in succession during December.
A form slump followed, when late goals resulted in disappointing draws against Gold Coast and Brisbane, as well a narrow 1-0 loss at home to the Mariners.
While acknowledging the team could be better placed, Bolton said he has no interest in dwelling on missed opportunities.
“The ladder doesn’t lie,” he said.
“(But) it’s no good looking back at what might have been.”
“We are where we are. We’re in a dog fight to make it. But I’ve no doubt if we do, we can give it a shake.”
“It’d be a massive disappointment if we don’t after what we’ve shown this year. We’ve shown some good stuff … to miss out now would be a massive disappointment.”
“It’s a long season coming to an end, culminating in hopefully what’s going to be the best finals series we’ve seen, considering the standard is so equal across the league.”
Heart play host to third-placed Wellington Phoenix on Saturday, and Bolton expects a tough encounter against Ricki Herbert’s prospective title challengers.
“I’m just worried about this game first,” he said.
“Wellington Phoenix this Saturday, three points there and we’ve got one hand in the finals series.”
“Wellington … are probably in a battle for a home grand final, they’re pretty secure in the top six. So from that point of view, there’s plenty on the line.”
