Malvern spoil United’s run
In sunny conditions and with two consecutive wins under their belts, United took on second placed Malvern at home on Saturday in men’s State 1 action.
Malvern was able to steal the points in a controversial finish, Warragul going down 2-3.
Warragul was without skipper Nathan Lugton and took the field with an altered line-up.
The “in-form” Liam Andersen wore the gloves between the sticks and was supported by burly central defenders Robbie Stephen and Matt Gauci with left and right backs Jimmy Mills and the zippy Oscar Sceney.
Rory Wagner slotted back to fill the defensive midfield position with Steve Maselli whilst the plucky Bryson Tanti started at the point. Teenager Oscar Sheehan, in only his third senior start, was placed up front with fellow front runners Paul Kuol and Sammy Gatpan.
United’s day got off to a terrible start. In the opening minute a slip in defence by Robbie Stephen allowed Malvern’s pacey centre forward to race through on goals. Keeper Andersen parried the first shot but could do nothing about the striker’s second effort.
Warragul’s defensive woes continued shortly after as Malvern’s busy striker pounced once again after latching onto a clever through ball. In a blink, the home side was down by two goals.
It was time to re-group. After settling back into the game, a shell-shocked United pulled one back. A curling ball in from a Steve Maselli free kick was met by an advancing Robbie Stephen who would make up for his earlier indiscretion and head home a glancing effort that beat the Malvern keeper.
United were back in the contest and playing with real purpose.
Sheehan shot wide from a tight angle after being played in by Tanti, whilst Steve Maselli had three long range strikes that sailed over the bar.
Warragul’s pressure was rewarded just before half-time when big Rory Wagner headed a flick on through to a racing Sammy Gatpan. The forward made no mistake during a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, slotting his shot to the keeper’s right to score his third goal for the season.
The second half started with both sides level on two goals apiece. However, it was Malvern who looked more threatening early. United was forced to launch long clearances away from danger, stifling their ability to attack with any quality build-up play.
Tackles were flying in thick and fast in a tight contest. As both sides fought for the elusive winner, unfortunately for the red and black, it was Malvern who found it. A turnover in the middle of the park was jumped upon by a Malvern midfielder. He sprayed the ball to the right side where his winger was able to get to the byline and cross to an open striker who tapped home the away side’s third.
With 15 minutes remaining, Warragul went to a back three and pushed an extra man forward to try and hunt down an equaliser. A cross into the box, looking for the head of Robbie Stephen, caused contact between the big defender and the Malvern keeper. The keeper spilled the ball after a fumbled attempt to catch it and the loose pill was nodded into the net by Gatpan.
Warragul thought they had made it three all, however, the referee made a controversial decision to disallow the goal and award Malvern with a free kick for a foul.
His time-wasting tactics only further frustrated Warragul as time ticked away.
The inevitable final whistle blew sounding United’s fate and 2-3 loss. United believed a draw would have been a fair result in a scrappy contest.
“Best on” was awarded to Sammy Gatpan for his tireless effort up front. This bloke is a bundle of energy. Rory Wagner was also acknowledged for a solid job in the midfield, with the ever-consistent Jimmy Mills chipping in for the other award.
Next week will see Warragul United take on top side Doveton away from home. This is predicted to be a massive test as they look to topple the league’s hottest side.