NPL: Pascoe Vale bullish after making flying start to campaign against Northcote City

PASCOE Vale captain Joseph Youssef has declared anything less than a top-six finish this National Premier League season will be “upsetting”.

Phillippe Bernabo- Madrid celebrates his goal in Pascoe Vale’s win over Northcote Vity. Picture: Chris Eastman.

PASCOE Vale captain Joseph Youssef has declared anything less than a top-six finish this National Premier League season will be “upsetting”.

The Rams made a perfect start to the campaign on Saturday, brushing aside promoted side Northcote City 4-1 to sit top of the table after Round 1.

Pascoe Vale has finished seventh in consecutive seasons, missing out on NPL finals by six points in 2016 and on goal difference last year after a semi-final appearance in 2015.

“We were five points off second last year,” Youssef said.

“Looking back at some of those results that were disappointing, we would have been in the top three. This year the squad is pretty much the same.

“We have recruited well and I think our aim would be top four again this year. It’d be an upsetting year if we didn’t make finals.”

Amir Osmancevic high fives the crowd after scoring on his Pascoe Vale debut on Saturday. Picture: Chris Eastman.

Prolific striker Davey van’t Schip will again be crucial to the Rams’ fortunes and netted the opener in the club’s victory over Northcote City.

Only Melbourne Victory striker Ken Athiu (21) netted more goals than van’t Schip (17) in the top flight last year with champions Heidelberg United.

“He’s probably one of the biggest aspects (or) factors in how far we will go,” Youssef said. “He scores goals and not just that, in general play he holds the ball up.

“We can actually keep possession so much better when the ball doesn’t come back straight away. He’s massive for us.”

Defender Ethan Docherty made his debut at the weekend after joining the club from Brisbane Strikers, while Stephen Hatzikostas (Green Gully) slotted into midfield alongside fellow signing Amir Osmancevic (Moreland Zebras).

Youssef, Osmancevic and Philippe Bernabo-Madrid also found the back of the net in the Round 1 triumph.

“We have been pretty solid over the last couple of years. The recruiting staff just keep adding in the quality that we need,” Youssef said.

Youssef said the commanding win over Northcote City was “probably the best start we have had in the NPL”.

Pascoe Vale takes on Melbourne Knights in Round 2. Kick-off is 7.30pm on Friday at Knights Stadium.