United too good for Mornington
In Men’s state 1 action, Warragul faced Mornington at home on the weekend. A side that sat just one point ahead of United.
A win over Mornington, who have always been one of Warragul’s bogey teams, would see them advance two spots higher on the league ladder to 7th after a slow start to the year.
In wet conditions, the boys in red and black had the better of their opponents in the first half. Both sides found it difficult to settle as possession was hotly contested.
The desire and effort applied by Warragul was the difference and they were unlucky not to capitalise on what was the best chance of the first period. A sweet cross by Steve Maselli from the right side of midfield found the predatory Rory Wagner in space, however the striker didn’t get the contact on his header the way he’d have liked and the ball spun wide of the goal.
A Mornington through ball moments later found a forward player bursting through to goal. Whilst shooting, a firm challenge from Warragul’s defensive hard-man Robbie Stephen brought him down in the 18 yard box. The referee pointed to the spot awarding the Seagulls a penalty kick.
Mornington’s penalty taker stepped up and blasted his shot against the post and away from danger. Warragul had survived it seemed, however an immediate and controversial raised flag by the linesman, who incorrectly deemed keeper Liam Andersen had moved forward prior to the whistle, prompted the referee to whistle a re-take much to the home crowd’s very vocal displeasure.
The Mornington striker made no mistake this time and gave the team on orange a 1-0 lead at the break.
The second period started brightly for Warragul and they would equalise relatively early. A free kick won in a dangerous position outside of the box gave United the opportunity they desperately needed. Warragul’s best player on the day,
Winger Paul Kuol, struck an irresistible curling effort around the wall which gave the keeper no chance and the home side a massive lift. Paul’s goal and enthusiastic celebrations seemed to spur on his teammates and moments later he danced his way past a couple of defenders and was tripped in the opposition penalty area, winning a spot kick for United. Rory Wagner calmly tucked away the penalty and United were flying at 2-1.
As the second half progressed, Mornington started to get on top and maintain greater possession. The backline of Gauci, Stephen, Mills and Sceney held firm, however were absorbing more pressure than that of the first half. Skipper Nathan Lugton was outstanding in the middle of the park. His effort is never in question. His tackling, work rate and leadership was massive for United and kept the home side in the contest.
As the minutes ticked away, Mornington continued to press and desperate clearances were launched wide to run down the clock. Winger Sammy Gatpan chased down a ball that was driven into the opposition corner with only seconds to go it seemed.
A neat turn saw him evade to slipping defenders on the touchline before passing to an open Oscar Sheehan, who had just entered the game, inside the edge of the box. On a tight angle the youngster drove a snap-shot low and hard past the Mornington keeper into the corner of the net, giving him his first Senior goal and sealing a much deserved 3-1 Warragul win.
The day had terrific local atmosphere and United’s infamous ‘who are we?’ post-match chant was sung loud and proud as players and supporters celebrated a great win and vital 3 points.
Best on ground went to Paul Kuol with Nathan Lugton and Oscar Sceney picking up the other awards.