Early goals leave United stunned
The home side lined up identically to that of the week before. Liam Andersen in goals. Backline of Oscar Sceney, Matt Gauci, Robbie Stephen and Jim Mills. Midfield three consisting of Steve Maselli and Rory Wagner with Bryson Tanti at the point, and forwards Paul Kuol, Oscar Sheehan and Sammy Gatpan.
In a game where United were confident of a win, it was Casey who went into the contest the more alert of the two sides and stunned Warragul after only a couple of minutes with an opening goal.
Warragul were asleep at the wheel after a pacey Comets winger burst past the home defence to square to an unmarked teammate in front of the sticks. His simple opportunity found the net, leaving players and the home crowd shattered.
Conceding an early soft goal at home has become a recurring bad habit for United this season. Warragul have the talent to beat any team in this league. But there is nothing more frustrating than having to chase your tail to get back into a match as any pre-game structure or tactics can often then be bypassed as desperation kicks in.
You tip your hat when the opposition score a well-crafted and deserved goal, however, these early letdowns are generally down to a lack of concentration or error on United’s behalf it seems.
As Warragul looked to regroup, further catastrophe hit as Casey struck again. It was a similar, rather tame goal, where the same unmarked Comets player was left alone to smash the ball into the net from close range. It sunk the hearts of players and supporters of those in red and black.
To be 0–2 after only 10 minutes, United had their backs to the wall and had to respond fast.
In typical WUSC spirit, the boys came alive and started to press. Casey was able to retain much of the possession and looked more comfortable on the ball, whilst United was more rushed and adopted more of a long ball policy.
This option would prove effective after a deep penetrating ball from Robbie Stephen found a dashing Oscar Sheehan. Sheehan’s opponent dragged him to the ground, resulting in a yellow card and dangerous free kick opportunity on the edge of the penalty area.
As he had done a few weeks earlier, the dangerous Paul Kuol took the kick and was able to hit a low drive past the wall to the keeper’s right to give United the goal they needed and fresh hope.
Warragul finished the half with the ascendency and were unlucky not to be level.
An injury to winger Sammy Gatpan gave an opportunity to young Riley Dastey off the bench who would play the whole second half.
In a scrappy contest and a heavy track, Warragul were certainly not at their best. Casey weren’t great but United were worse, and it seemed as though heavy legs had got the better of them as turnovers crept in.
Club vice captain Ash Ross was introduced for his first game since round two after injury and looked comfortable on the ball in midfield.
Rory Wagner was pushed up front for Sheehan and was asked to chase and try to get an equaliser. Rory didn’t quite get the service he needed to have an impact, as the forward line struggled to pull United back and create any legitimate chances to score.
A rash challenge by Robbie Stephen resulted in his fifth yellow card of the year, meaning he’ll miss the next fixture against Mazenod.
In typical fashion, Warragul threw everything they could at Casey as the clock ticked down. In desperation, even goalkeeper Andersen was pushed up for a last-minute corner.
It just wasn’t United’s day, and the scoreline did not change at the final whistle. Three legitimate points lost to a beatable opposition.
Best player awards: Steve Maselli, Matt Gauci and Bryson Tanti.