For Halil Gur, it’s been a month that’s tested his resolve, watching on from the bench as his Dandenong City teammates strung together some impressive form in April.
Notching up two straight wins – 4-1 to both Werribee City and Ballarat Red Devils – City then fought hard, but ultimately fell short against ladder leaders Kingston City in a 1-0 defeat, a game in which Gur appeared off the bench.
In the weekend’s 2-2 draw with Eastern Lions, he got the start he was after, but was only made aware of the decision from coach Aaron Healey just hours before kick-off.
“I haven’t started the last three weeks; I was only told pre-game that I was starting so I was a bit nervous, just trying to get my confidence back up,” Gur said.
“My game is very physical compared to some of the other boys in the team – they’re more technical. I do have a technical side but I do like the hustle and bustle, and Aaron knows that.
“I’m pretty sure that’s why he started me today because he knew there was going to be a few big boys up front and in the team. I think that’s where I come into the team.”
A tactical change for City’s 4-1 FFA Cup win over Melbourne City in March saw the former Southern Stars man drop out of the starting line-up, Gur understanding how tough it is to change a winning side.
“It was just a tactical change [that kept me out]; we had an FFA Cup fixture and tried something different,” he said.
“We won that game so coming into the next league game, you can’t change a winning team. Unfortunately that was why I was out for the last three weeks but the team was doing well.
“We won the last two games but then we coughed up the points against Kingston last week. With the Lions being a physical side, Aaron made the tactical change to put me in the squad and I’m thankful for that. I just tried to perform.”
He was a required figure in the heart of defence, forced into a number of last ditch interceptions, brave aerial contests and blocks.
He finished the game as one of the best players on the park, despite failing to hang onto the full complement of points.
“Personally I think I did well, but there were one or two balls I could have made use of better. I played it a bit safe and that’s just because of a lack of confidence, but I think I did a good job.
“However, we always strive for the best, I could have done better, we could have done better as a team. I think give it a few weeks – as there’s players coming in and out – and that gel will form. Once it does, I think we’ll be a very strong side.”
The game was a memorable one for the spectators, as both sides enjoyed spells on top, while there was plenty of late drama in the form of two injury time goals – one from skipper John Carroll to put City in front, then an equaliser at the other end from Lions’ keeper Robert Havercroft.
“There were moments where we played and moments where we didn’t. When we did play, we outplayed our opponents as they were about physicality,” Gur said.
“When we got frustrated, they got the better of us but I think the second half we were quite on top. Today we were just a bit unlucky and missed a couple of chances as well.
“In terms of who won today, we should have snatched it up because I know our keeper only had to make one save in the second half.
“But that’s the game, we were outplayed physically at times and like I said, we should have put our chances away.”
A 3-0 win against Mooroolbark SC in the FFA Cup Round of 32 served as a confidence builder for Saturday afternoon’s league match against Springvale White Eagles. Kick-off at White Eagles Stadium is 3pm.
Photo: Drazen Jurina/Dandenong City