Whittlesea keeping the faith after difficult start to return year in Northern Football League Division 1

WHITTLESEA remains adamant it is only a matter of time before it breaks through for its first win of the Northern Football League season after a tough start to its Division 1 return.

WHITTLESEA remains adamant it is only a matter of time before it breaks through for its first win of the Northern Football League season after a tough start to its Division 1 return.

The Eagles sit bottom of the ladder but have been competitive in every one of their four matches so far this season.

Whittlesea stayed in touch with Eltham for much of Saturday’s Round 4 clash but was unable to seriously test the Panthers’ nerves.

Eltham ran out 10.18 (78) to 9.5 (59) victors at Whittlesea Showgrounds after leading at every break.

Eagles president Nathan Croughan said lapses in concentration had cost the club dearly.

“Provided we can all stay fit and strong, we’d like to think we’ll get a couple of wins,” Croughan said.

“But at the minute it’s just that consistency level.

“It’s just not a 120-minute effort at the minute, it’s probably a 95-minute effort.

“It’s five to 10 minutes every quarter where we just (drop off).”

Jaron Murphy, Nathan Andrews and Riley Dyson were Whittlesea’s best players against Eltham.

Meanwhile, Bundoora moved to second on the ladder with a resounding win against Lower Plenty.

The Bulls finished with a flourish at Yulong Reserve, booting 9.9 in the final term to claim an 18.21 (129) to 6.6 (42) triumph.

Gary Moorcroft returned to the line-up with four goals, while Liam Byrne and Trent Barbero played pivotal roles.

Bundoora is at home again this weekend against Whittlesea.

Macleod, Heidelberg and Montmorency were also on the winners’ list in Division 1.

In Division 2, Lalor rallied from 21 points down at three-quarter-time to give Fitzroy Stars a scare.

The Bloods kicked five goals to two in the last term at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval but lost 17.10 (112) to 16.14 (110).

Todd Hughes took his season tally to 20 goals from four matches with six majors in the loss.

Thomastown was also beaten by one of the division’s form clubs — Diamond Creek.

The Creekers won 16.14 (110) to 8.10 (58) at Coventry Oval, ending the Bears’ unbeaten start to 2016.