ILLAWARRA PREMIER LEAGUE
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The season may yet be young, but Port Kembla coach Stuart Beedie has been pleased with the progress of his reshaped squad in their unbeaten start to 2015.
The 2013 League Championship grand-final double winners were on song again when they got the better of Albion Park White Eagles in a 2-1 win at Wetherall Park on Sunday afternoon.
They are undefeated through four rounds with three wins and a draw.
It has delighted Beedie, who had a number experienced players depart in the off-season.
Stalwart Daniel Aliffi hung up the boots, Mitchell Scazzeriello headed for Dapto-Dandaloo Fury, David Polidoro to Albion Park and Karouna Micheal and Matt Floro left for Wollongong United.
All five were regular starters for the Zebras but Beedie has been impressed with their replacements.
Mark Picciolini, Jarryd Vinton, James Volkanovski and James Ralston were all in the first XI on Sunday.
"There is quite a few new faces in there and I think they are all gelling well together in our overall performance," he said.
"Will Mobbs, who has played left back for the last four to five years, played in midfield [on Sunday], so it shows that bit of flexibility we have in the team.
"Mark Picciolini coming in and getting the start after injury, I thought he was outstanding.
"The only reason he came off is because we are just trying to look after his fitness a little bit. The signs are good but it is still very early days."
Picciolini scored and set up another in Port's win over Park.
The new blood will face their biggest test to date when they play Dapto-Dandaloo next Sunday at Wetherall Park.
The Fury look to be the Illawarra Premier League's title favourites with three wins from three to start the campaign.
Dapto-Dandaloo also play their rescheduled FFA Cup clash with North Shore Mariners on Wednesday night at Valentines Sports Park.
Table: Bulli, Port Kembla 10, Dapto Dandaloo Fury 9, Wollongong United, Albion Park White Eagles 6, South Coast United 4, Tarrawanna Blueys, Bellambi, Wollongong Olympic FC 3, Cringila Lions 1, Shell Cove FC, Woonona 0.
