Salisbury United remains unbeaten five matches into the State League soccer season

INCREASED depth and a stronger defence have been keys to Salisbury United’s hot start to the State League soccer season, coach Rocky Aloisi says.

INCREASED depth and a stronger defence have been keys to Salisbury United’s hot start to the State League soccer season, coach Rocky Aloisi says.

United sits top of the second-tier table after five rounds with four wins and one draw.

The club’s only dropped points came away to Noarlunga United at the weekend in a match Aloisi said had been there for the taking.

Despite the 0-0 result, the mentor said he had been pleased with his side’s form.

“I’ve been very happy with the start,” Aloisi said.

“Our key is that we’ve got a team, at the moment, that play for one another.

“The depth has improved and now we’ve got players on the bench who can come on and be a force.”

Salisbury’s defensive record has been exemplary this season, conceding a league-low three goals.

The club strengthened its defensive stocks over summer with the addition of veterans John Foat (Parafield Gardens) and Michael Menechella (Campbelltown City).

“Michael has played for me before,” Aloisi said.

“I gave him the opportunity to play first-team soccer and Campbelltown didn’t sign him on again ... so I said ‘I started you off, why don’t you finish your career with me?’”

Salisbury flirted with promotion last season but could not maintain consistency during the 30-match campaign.

Aloisi said he was confident the club could sustain the top-two tilt this year.

“I think everybody feels that this is a year we’ve got a chance to be promoted.”