Sydney FC’s PlayStation 4 NPL 2 U20’s Captain Sam McIllhatton believes the club must maintain their hunger despite securing the Premiership at the weekend against North Shore Mariners FC, as the Sky Blues go in search of a NPL Grand Final appearance.
The attacking midfielder said the job is only half done, with two fixtures and a final series remaining.
“It’s a good achievement but there’s still a lot to play for in the season,” said McIllhatton.
“It’s good to get my first [Premiership]. Coming from The [Football NSW] Institute we never really won too much so it’s good to win for the first time, however we still want to make the grand final and win that too.”
Sydney FC became Premiers in their inaugural season with a 5-0 win, which included a Cooper Coskerie hat-trick. The squad were leading 1-0 at half-time in challenging conditions before seizing the initiative in the second half.
“I think it was a bit of a slow start in the first half, it took us a bit to break down their defensive block. In the second half, though, we opened them up and scored four,” said McIllhatton.
McIllhatton scored five of his team’s 96 goals, 18 more than the next best team, and Sydney FC’s defence was equally impressive, with the team conceding a competition-best 24 goals.
This blend of flowing attack and stoic defence resulted in their 12-point lead in the competition with two games remaining, and McIllhatton has set his sights on personal progress just as he expects it from his team.
“Personally, I want to win a National Youth League contract for the upcoming season. I’d like to make the Young Socceroos, of course, but I think it might be further down the track for me.”
Sydney FC’s Round 25 clashes on Saturday 20 August against Marconi Stallions FC will be our final home games of the regular season. Kick off times at Lambert Park are: U18s (3.45pm), U20s (5.45pm) and 1st Grade (7.45pm).
Sydney FC’s Memberships are on sale now! Click here to see the range of Membership options for the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season.
