Bobby Zdravkovski on the young talent shining through

Senior Women’s Head Coach Bobby Zdravkovski shed light on Box Hill United’s 2-1 loss to Calder United in Round 4 of the Nike F.C. Cup.

Faced with injuries to key players, Pythagoras had to dig deep and fought right till the final whistle at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.

While the result didn’t go in his favour, Zdravkovski expressed the silver linings that can come from a mini-crisis.

One example is Georgia Karaparidis, who took her opportunity to score an early goal for the visiting Pythagoras.

A come-from-behind win ensued from Calder, however Zdravkovski commended the team spirit.

“The players showed heart and courage,” he said.

“The game was an opportunity to give other players a go who don’t normally start in NPL Women.

“Georgia was one of those who took that chance and did really well.”

In a quick turnaround between Friday night’s contest with FC Bulleen Lions, Zdravkovski was conscious if squad management.

“It’s a big game, we have to back it up,” he said.

“Some players will be coming back from injury – it was good to see the youngsters get a run today.

“The focal point is having to manage players for Friday.

“Some players will be back and should have a full team to choose from a week after.”

In a ‘what if’ situation, a Chiara Lettieri strike that was saved summed up the dramatic nature of moments in the cup tie that can go either way.

“We had our chances, we could’ve scored a few,” Zdravkovski said.

“We had our moments early in the game and had opportunities in the box but it was a combination of the keeper stopping it and some errors.

“It was a good hit out, I’m proud of the performance despite some mistakes, but we just need to get better at that.

“It’s a positive to see the youngsters from the U20s come in and get a start to show what they can do.”

In a hotly-contested NPL Women league table so far, Zdravkovski is confident in the squad’s future prospects.

“We’re not far off in terms of climbing the table,” he said.

“We have been close in all of our performances till now and been the dominant team.

“Tonight we missed some key players but given the circumstances I’m proud and onwards and upwards from here.”