Box Hill assistant coach Greg Kassidas has lamented his side’s attitude, while praising Springvale’s resilience following the top versus bottom clash that saw his side succumb to a shock 3-1 defeat at Wembley Park on Saturday.
Despite going into Saturday’s game as heavy favourites, the previously unbeaten Box Hill dropped their first points of the season to cellar dwellers Springvale, who had gone through the season so far without picking up a single point.
Kassidas felt his side lacked structure and discipline, which included a red card to defender Josh Valadon, opening the door for Springvale to get in behind Box Hill and score on the counter.
“We set some standards before the game today. We knew that they would come out and they were desperate, bottom of the table, no points,” Kassidas said.
“Possibly [it could have been complacency]. We spoke about us not being complacent as it makes no difference to where they’re positioned on the ladder. We knew they’d probably come out fighting for their lives.
“They wanted it more than us, and yeah I think maybe we were complacent. It reflects the score.”
However, Kassidas refused to take anything away from Springvale, whom he said performed admirably under pressure.
“Pure and simple. It was just heart and desire for them that got them over the line. They wanted it more than us,” he said.
“Their coach was probably under pressure today to get a result, and his players did the job for him. They just came out with heart and we didn’t.
Despite the loss, Kassidas said he and head coach Arthur Georgiou wont be making any wholesale changes to the starting line-up just yet, predicting the loss was just a blip on Box Hill’s radar and normal proceedings will resume as soon as possible.
“We’ll keep our process happening and play with our philosophy and what we believe in,” he said.
“As far as changing things goes, we need to put this behind us and start fresh again on Tuesday and continue on.
Box Hill will look to make amends for their loss when they face mid-table Bulleen this weekend, also at Wembley Park.