Yarraville Glory sets sights on at least three more wins to ensure State League 1 North-West safety

YARRAVILLE Glory coach Paul Donnelly has predicted his side will need at least three more wins to steer clear of relegation from State League 1 North-West.

Darcey Den-Ouden’s return has helped Yarraville FC’s effort to avoid the drop.

YARRAVILLE Glory coach Paul Donnelly has predicted his side will need at least three more wins to steer clear of relegation from State League 1 North-West.

The Glory has provided a much sterner test for opposition sides since Round 6, claiming wins against Altona City, Western Suburbs and FC Clifton Hill to briefly lift itself out of the bottom two.

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Donnelly is confident a tally of about 23 points at the end of the campaign will be enough for his side to consolidate itself in the top tier of the state leagues.

While his faith has never wavered since taking over just days before the start of the season, the first-year coach has sensed renewed belief in his players in recent weeks.

“I think just believing in what we are working on. Once you get a win under your belt, it drives the confidence a bit,” Donnelly said.

Darcey Den-Ouden’s return has helped Yarraville FC’s effort to avoid the drop.

Yarraville survived the drop last year with 20 points, finishing four clear of Westgate and five ahead of bottom side Altona East Phoenix.

But with only a few wins separating the promotion contenders and relegation battlers, Donnelly believes the points tally needed to be safe will be higher this season.

“I think it might be just a little bit higher (than last year),” he said.

“I still think we will need three or four wins in the second half of the season.”

Striker Darcey Den Ouden’s return from an ankle injury has given Yarraville added punch up front, while the club has not conceded more than two goals since Round 2.

“We have been very tight at the back which has been great and now we are starting to get goals at the other end. Hopefully that continues,” Donnelly said.

The coach said his team’s mindset had shifted in recent weeks as a result of its improved form.

The Glory dropped back into the bottom two spots after a 2-0 loss to league leader Geelong on Saturday.

They have another tough assignment this weekend, tackling promotion contender — North Sunshine Eagles — at home.