New Melbourne City boss Warren Joyce declared himself satisfied after watching his side register another clean sheet to ease into the last 16 of the Westfield FFA Cup, but admitted there’s still plenty to work on.
AS IT HAPPENED: Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32: MD2
WATCH: All the goals from FFA Cup Round of 32 MD2
Goals in added time at the end of each half ensured City’s passage with a 2-0 win over Brisbane Premier League club Peninsula Power.
“It was a tough game,” Joyce told Fox Sports afterwards.
“I was really impressed by the way they [Power] approached the game.
“I thought they had two or three threats as well,” said Joyce.
PATIENCE THE KEY FOR CUP HOLDERS
In front of over 4000 fans on an uneven surface at Dolphin Stadium, Melbourne City were kept honest by an energetic home side.
Stefan Mauk opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, bravely heading home a Neil Kilkenny cross under challenge from Power goalkeeper Jake Reesby.
Uruguayan sharpshooter Bruno Fornaroli sealed the win in added time.
“At times we passed it well but at times we were a bit slow moving the ball through the lines,” said Joyce.
“The final passes around the box could have been better.
“In the first half in particular I thought we were a bit frantic, looking to rush things and flicking at things when we could keep the ball a little bit longer.”
JOYCE HAILS CITY REARGUARD
With the Hyundai A-League season still two months away and the disappointing end to the 2016/17 campaign still raw, the newly arrived Joyce is working hard to implement his style of play.
“Throughout the group you want players who can pass the ball and dominate football games,” he said.
“It’s pleasing that regardless of our other two games being friendlies, we’ve kept three clean sheets as well.
“That’s important if you want to be a successful team.”
