Heidelberg United marquee Archie Thompson is pleased to have gotten his first NPL match under his belt after taking to the pitch against Oakleigh Cannons on Sunday afternoon.
Thompson admits the pace and the challenges he faced on the pitch are a somewhat different to what he was used to after spending 11 years with Melbourne Victory in the A-League.
“It was a little different to what I’m used to. I feel for the boys after playing on it every week, it’s a challenge,” he said.
“They [Oakleigh] slowed the game right down. In the first half there was no intensity, but we picked it up in the second half.
“When I had the opportunity for a bit more game time, I would’ve humping that corner flag.”
Thompson went on to pay tribute to all the Heidelberg and Melbourne Victory fans who came out to the Olympic Village pitch to watch him make his National Premier League.
“It was great that the supporters came out. I think the boys said it was a little different with the bounciness of the pitch and it was a little hotter than normal,” he said.
“It was great for me to get out there and start playing football and enjoying it. I was a bit frustrated because there was a decent crowd and majority of them came to see me debut.
“I always want to put on a good performance and I want to score goals.”
Thompson said the stop-start game nature of the game was a source of frustration, although he is happy to adapt to the changes.
“The intensity is a lot different than A-League,” he said.
“There are a lot of stoppages and the pace of the game is a lot slower than what I’m used to, and it can get a bit frustrating.
“I’m enjoying being part of this squad and enjoying the team. It’s refreshing that I’m loving my football again.”