WARRNAMBOOL Rangers coach Nick van Rooy has signalled the need for improvement despite a convincing win consolidating their finals chances.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A Dechlan Picken hat-trick steered the Rangers to a comfortable 7-1 victory against Forest at Jones Oval on Sunday, further entrenching them in second spot on Ballarat and District Soccer Association’s division one ladder.
The Rangers were 4-0 at half-time.
The injured Van Rooy said Warrnambool had the edge in all areas against Forest.
“Our finishing for the day was on,” he said.
“But it could have been higher — Marty (van Rooy) fluffed three one-on-ones with the keeper at the end of the game.”
Van Rooy, who is sidelined with a hamstring strain, said the Rangers’ defence, despite only conceding one goal, was a work in progress.
“There is a lot to be worked on, especially through the defence,” he said.
“It’s more the fact it was a new defence and we’re trying to fill the void of having one of our main defenders out.
“So while I am out, someone has to play in the back line. We looked unsettled the whole game.”
Van Rooy said Warrnambool wanted to launch its finals assault from second spot.
“We’re miles behind Ballarat and we won’t catch them,” he said of the ladder.
“They are eight points clear. I don’t think they are going to lose for the rest of the year, so we’re fighting for second place and a double chance.”
In other matches, Warrnambool’s reserves drew with Forest 2-2, lost its women’s match to North United White 3-1 and its under 15s lost to Horsham. The Rangers’ under 17s had a bye.
justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au