Force play for their future

Bunbury Forum Force striker Aiden Savory has highlighted the importance of Saturday’s away clash against ECU Joondalup as both sides battle to avoid relegation.

With seven rounds remaining in Bunbury’s inaugural State Premier League campaign they are just three points clear of bottom-placed ECU.

‘‘It has really panned out to be an important game for us on Saturday,’’ Savory said.

‘‘There are still a few games to play but this one will be a massive result that both teams will be looking to win.’’

Savory said the feeling around the club had been positive since EnglishmanMatt Lock took over as manager a fortnight ago.

He also said the side was disappointed not to come away with the points against Perth at the weekend.

‘‘The team has settled since Matt has become manager and team selections have been steady and there is a really good atmosphere among all the players at the moment,’’ he said.

‘‘Matt’s coaching methods are good and he’s got all the lads on-side straight away and I think he has settled in really well.’’

‘‘I thought we were the better team on Saturday, second half especially, and our next step is to put those chances away and finish teams off.’’

The 24-year-old from Yorkshire said the defence had got better since the start of the season and young duo Ryan Risdon and Callum Richardson were a massive part of that improvement.

‘‘Our defence has been really solid as of late,’’ Savory said.

‘‘Ryan and Callum have made a big different and are both very good players.

‘‘Callum is only 16 and I thought he was by far our best player on Saturday and he keeps getting better.

‘‘Ryan has played really well and is a good leader down back for us.’’

The pacy striker has netted four goals so far in an injury interrupted season since arriving from the UK where he played for lower division sides Bradford Park Avenue and Harrogate Town.

The next month will ultimately decide the Force’s fate in the top flight, with matches against the other bottom four sides including Armadale and Western Knights.

ECU will be no easy-beats and have bolstered their playing stocks in the last couple of months with former Balcatta striker Johnny Thornley and Perth Glory midfielder Tommy Amphlett both joining the club.