Sunbury United striker Jayden Mercieca’s goals help put club in frame for State League 3 North-West promotion

THE red-hot form of striker Jayden Mercieca has put Sunbury United in a position to dream of promotion from State League 3 North-West.

THE red-hot form of striker Jayden Mercieca has put Sunbury United in a position to dream of promotion from State League 3 North-West.

A misfiring Sunbury only found the back of the net 36 times in 22 matches last season, finishing ninth and dodging relegation by four points.

But its forwards have been much more clinical this season, scoring 26 times in 12 games to put United in contention for a top-two finish at season’s end.

Mercieca has been a revelation, eclipsing his 2017 goals tally of seven with 10 in 12 matches, including a hat-trick against Williamstown.

Sunbury United director of coaching Greg Czapnik said a more ruthless attacking approach had fuelled the club’s promotion push.

“Last year we created a lot but we weren’t hitting the back of the net,” Czapnik said.

“This year we are creating a lot and we are scoring goals.”

Sunbury United’s Steven Everett (right) takes off during his side’s loss to FC Strathmore on Saturday. Picture: Hamish Blair.

Sunbury faces a tough task to reel in runaway leader Epping City, which handed it a 5-0 loss when the teams clashed in Round 6.

Epping boasts a seven-point lead at the top of the table after 13 rounds and held a formidable goal difference of plus 22.

“Their goal difference is extremely strong, so you have got to hope these guys are going to drop a couple of games at least,” Czapnik said.

“On the other end of the scale, we have got to keep winning.”

United is relishing the positivity generated by its title challenge, having battled relegation in consecutive seasons since 2015.

“Anything can happen but this has been a magnificent start for us,” Czapnik said.

“It’s obviously a very healthy vibe around the place.”

Sunbury has a potentially season-defining game in hand against bottom side La Trobe Uni, which it will face on successive weekends in August.

“Teams are still picking up players and everyone is fighting to either survive or get promoted,” Czapnik said.

“The next 3-4 weeks are going to be absolutely telling.”

United was beaten 2-1 by FC Strathmore on Saturday, dropping from second to fifth.

But it is only two points behind FC Strathmore, which climbed to second.