AFTER their false start to the season last weekend, Myrtleford’s impressive division one men’s side showed they’re still the ones to beat after defeating Melrose FC 2-1 on the road on Saturday evening.

Savoy had the bye last weekend due to Boomers withdrawing from the competition, so their clash with Melrose was the first chance for the side to bank some points early in the season.

The chances came early, and Savoy found two goals in the first half while denying any approach by Melrose.

Melrose shot back out of the blue, finding a goal against the run of play, and sensing their chance, attacked with purpose.

Myrtleford’s defensive structure held on well, repelling attacks and transferring the ball up the field to their players up top.

While further shots were kept out by Melrose’s goalie, senior coach Jayden Vescio said it was good to start off the season with a hard-fought win.

“It was a good game, a different Melrose than we faced in the Cup two weeks prior, but it was good,” he said.

“We started the second half reasonably well, then they scored against the run of play, a bit of an error of judgement and it changed the context of the game.

“They went more direct, put us under a fair bit of pressure.

“We just couldn’t find the back of the net, their goalkeeper made a couple of terrific saves, we hit the upright from a Richardson header.

“We were made to work for it in the end, we came up trumps late in a couple of key moments to keep them out.

“We were solid at the back, just grinded our way to a win, so it was a game of two halves - we were cruising but let them back into the game, and it changed how the game was going.”

Converting on their goal chances early in the game will be a focus for the side at training as they prepare for their next match, a trip to Willow Park to take on Wodonga Heart.

Despite Heart starting the year 0-2, Vescio said he expected staunch opposition.

“I watched them play in the FA Cup a few weeks ago, they’ll only improve,” he said.

“There’s no real emphasis on the fact they haven’t had a senior team for a few years, but they’ll be competitive and we’re going to have to take every game as if we were playing one of the better teams.

“Anyone will get you, if you’re just off a little bit, someone will get you in this competition.”