A couple of early missed chances against perennial strugglers Nunawading City may just have dampened the spirits of another lesser-willed man, but not so for Goulburn Valley Suns hit-man Craig Carley.
An astounding haul of seven – comfortably setting the record for individual goals scored in a game in the NPL Victoria era – saw the Englishman and his team secure a 9-0 away victory.
He was frank in his assessment of the performance, admitting he should’ve added a few more to his tally for his troubles.
“I honestly thought when I missed the first two chances in the opening 10 minutes that it wasn’t going to be my day,” Carley said.
“In all fairness I probably should have ended up with at least 10 goals maybe even 12 or so for the game.”
Had he grabbed the 10 he felt he deserved, it would have taken him into top spot in the NPL1 West Top Scorers standings, as he (31 goals) currently trails Melbourne Victory’s Joey Katebian (33) in a shootout for the honour.
It’s been a good season for the 31-year-old although he believes suspensions and injuries helped curtail his influence at some key moments of the season.
It is in a way reflective of the Suns’ season as a whole, as a blistering start – which saw them top the table up until Round Nine – was blighted by a constant fight to keep their star players on the pitch.
“Personally I have thoroughly enjoyed the season, playing a decent amount of games for the season always helps,” Carley said.
“At the start of the season, I set myself a target of 20 [goals] so to pass that is great. But [I] would obviously rather score none and get the side promoted, but unfortunately that wasn’t to be.
“Injuries and suspensions, of which I’m partly to blame [missing 3 games], also at crucial times in the season has cost us. But all in all the club has certainly improved on the field.
“Credit must go out to Nick [Kalafatis] and team for his coaching and also the playing group, which have become a real tight knit group over the season.”
With one game remaining for the Suns in 2015, Carley would be revelling in the prospect of a few more goals to finish the season.
Whether he can top his senior record of nine goals in a match – at Cobram Victory – or his overall record of 13 goals – in a single game as a junior – remains to be seen, but with the form the evergreen is showing, you wouldn’t discount anything.
Goulburn Valley Suns host Eastern Lions in Shepparton on the final day of the NPL1 West season. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00pm tomorrow.