Vrankovic focussed on White Eagles’ survival charge

Three wins from their last four matches have Bonnyrigg White Eagles soaring once again as they look to keep their 2018 campaign heading in the right direction.

Sunday afternoon’s stunning 4-2 win over an in-form Rockdale City Suns pushed them up to ninth on the ladder, within touching distance of the top five.

Despite their resurgence, defender David Vrankovic is keeping his feet on the ground to ensure he and his side remain focussed on the task at hand.

“All the boys in the team, we’re all pulling our weight,” said Vrankovic.

“We got the result obviously, and it was a shame we didn’t keep the 4-0 result in conceding two late goals, but we’ve shown what we’re capable of.

“The next teams will see that we’re not really a pushover anymore.”

The White Eagles endured a horrible start to their season, taking seven weeks to register their first win.

Now undefeated since mid-May, they find themselves in a rich vein of form and with a game in hand, which, if won, would lift them into a finals football position.

Vrankovic recognises his club are not out of the woods yet, calling upon senior and junior squads to fight hard to push Bonnyrigg off the bottom of the Club Championship.

“It’s been brilliant, but we’re not out of trouble” declared Vrankovic.

“A win from the game in hand against Blacktown would do a lot for us, not just seniors but in the Club Championship as well.

“It’s not just us in first grade that have to push, it’s the 18s and 20s that have to play their part so that we do stay in the league.”

Prior to his cementing his place within Bonnyrigg’s backline, a teenage Vrankovic gained a taste of A-League experience during his time with Melbourne Heart.

After transferring to the White Eagles, the young defender shone brightly to earn himself an Asian Champions League stint with Vietnamese club Becamex Binh Duong in 2015.

“They were good experiences,” said Vrankovic.

“Unfortunately, they were short lived.

“There was two years with Melbourne Heart and the Asian Champions League stint with the Vietnamese side.

“They were good experiences, they helped me a lot, and hopefully something else comes up in the future.”

Next up Vrankovic and co play host to Sydney FC; a lively young side who, despite their inexperience, have provided stern tests for the wiliest of sides so far this season.

Vrankovic won’t be resting on his laurels as his side seek to cope with the Young Sky Blues’ pace and keep their revival on track.

“From what you’ve seen from results so far this season there’s no easy games,” said Vrankovic.

“Games we had thought we should have won we lost, so we’re going to respect the young boys from Sydney FC.

“We need to play against them just like every other side.”

Bonnyrigg White Eagles take on Sydney FC this Saturday night. Kick off from Bonnyrigg Sports Club at 7pm.

– By Michael Shoolman