Epping City is eyeing back-to-back promotions after start to State League 2 ‘exceeds expectations’

Epping City has been on a rapid rise in recent seasons and after its start to the State League 2 season “exceeded expectations” the club is eyeing consecutive promotions.

Epping City players celebrate a goal. Picture: Paul Seeley

Epping City is eyeing consecutive promotions after a red-hot start to the State League 2 North-West season.

Making the step up from State League 3, City sits on top of the ladder after 10 games in a pleasant surprise for coach Joe Montagnese.

“We’ve had a solid start to our first year ever in Division 2 football,” he said.

“It’s probably exceeded expectations a little bit that we find ourselves on top.

“We approached the season to be positive and try to be up there but I don’t think anyone expected us to be top of the league after Round 10.

Michael Disasi looks to score against Sunbury United last year. Picture: Paul Seeley

“That’s not to say we don’t take it and accept it and strive to stay there but I certainly think it’s exceeded expectations.”

It’s been a rapid rise for City, which was in State League 4 in 2016, where it won the title and promotion.

The club repeated the dose in State League 3 last year.

After 10 games, Epping City sits on top ahead of Albion Rovers on goal difference while just four points separates the top seven.

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Montagnese prides himself on team defence but City’s attack has also stepped up this season.

City has conceded eight goals and boasts the best goal difference in the league with plus-nine.

At the other end, Bale Micovski and Michael Disasi have both scored six goals, Micovski netting a hat-trick in the 5-0 win over Hume United and Disasi a brace.

Montagnese said promotion was again the goal but his team couldn’t afford to lose focus.

Bale Micovski during his time at Preston Lions. Picture: Carmelo Bazzano

“We’ve had multiple promotions in the last three years, so another one would be fantastic,” he said.

“It’s a tight league … from one week to the next the top six or seven change.

“What’s going to be key is who can find that consistency and string some wins together.

“As a former player and defender myself, I certainly build our teams on defensive shape and structure, but that’s not to say we’re not an attacking side either. We’ve got some real firepower.”

City has largely stuck with the squad that won it promotion and added Micovski from Preston Lions and Mark Pistininzi from Altona Magic.

In a battle of promotion winners, City takes on eighth-placed Moreland United away from home on Saturday.