Yellow cards given in United battle against Springvale
In wet, slippery conditions and playing on arguably the worst surface in the league, United were in for a battle at Springvale on Saturday.
This contest was not for the faint hearted. If players weren’t prepared to give it their all in the physicality department, their day would not end well.
To Warragul’s credit, they stood tall with all the usual suspects in the team doing most of the heavy lifting. There was fierce tackling and a hard-nosed brand of football, whilst the on-baller’s handled the possession game.
However, Springvale’s quality shone through where it mattered - in front of goals. This enabled them to come away with a 3-1 win.
Warragul made only one change to last week’s starting 11. Rory Wagner was rested to allow his hamstring time to further repair. Matt Maselli was pushed into his number nine spot up front, allowing the talented Ashley Ross to slip into midfield.
The first half was an especially brutal spectacle. The referee had his hands full and brandished four yellow cards to United and two to Springvale, mostly for crunching slide tackles.
The game has changed over the years. What was deemed as a fair tackle in the 1990s, is now outlawed in the modern game. Airborne, lunging challenges flying in at 100 miles an hour, and showing the studs of your boot were permitted and part of the game in the golden era, as long as the ball was met first before the man.
The rules have been altered to protect the players’ safety these days, yet it is difficult for some players to pull out of a 50-50 on a wet paddock when the ball is there to be won. Instinct takes over.
Ashley Ross collected United’s first yellow caution as he asserted himself in the midst of a tough midfield battle.
It was then Sammy Gatpan’s turn to be added to the ref’s book following a launching chase-down hit. Oscar Sheehan, whose disciplinary record is surely the worst in State 1 for three straight seasons, collected his sixth yellow in seven senior starts for a signature heavy challenge. When Thomas Ahmadzai sent his opponent crashing into the fence directly in front of a mob of home supporters, and players from both sides came together in an angry melee, the referee almost appeared to consider abandoning proceedings as the game had spun out of control.
After a lengthy delay and with both teams separated, Ahmadzai looked destined to receive his marching orders. However, due to the ensuing scuffle, his initial challenge was somewhat overshadowed and he, along with two Springy antagonists, received only a yellow.
Ahmadzai had a ripper and scored the opening goal. United led their opponents for a decent patch of the first term until the men in yellow blitzed them with two quality counter attacks. This allowed them to head into the break with an important 2-1 lead.
Order was restored in the second half, as both teams realised it would be nothing more than a bloodbath if things continued the way they had in the first 45 minutes.
The greasy surface didn’t make for a skilful spectacle, yet to the neutral, it was an entertaining one. Springvale sit fourth on the ladder and showed why they’re only four points from top with a decisive third goal.
Although United were gallant, they were unable to come back from being two down. This team is competitive week in, week out in State League 1 and can match it with any side. However, this season just haven’t quite been able to score the goals and not concede on the other end on a regular enough basis to take more scalps and move higher up the ladder.
The final result, 3-1, saw both teams surprisingly departing the ground with a full list and no send offs.
Best: Nick Modaffari – an odds-on favourite for best and fairest. Talismanic defending, versatile and strong. Thomas Ahmadzai – rock solid on the ball, scored and dominated in the centre of the park. Baley Row – surefooted and skilful in possession. Excellent work rate on the day.
With four games remaining, Warragul are safe from the relegation zone and will still have a red-hot crack at taking points from the “big boys” in the league.
They take on Casey Comets, who they beat back in round nine, at Cranbourne on Saturday at 3pm.
Reserves
Whilst the seniors have had their struggles, the reserve team are absolutely flying in what is arguably the best “twos” campaign in State league history.
United came away with another impressive away win on the weekend, punishing Springvale 3-1.
Daniel Edey was the catalyst in Springy’s demise and was easily the best, scoring twice and showcasing his vast array of talent.
Mitch Jones showed great composure in the backline with the bravado of the vocal Danny Dunne alongside. Riley Dastey continued his assertiveness in defence, whilst Liam Antonelli was instrumental in midfield, standing out in a strong overall team performance.
Germaine Otieno popped up when it mattered, scoring United’s third to put the game to bed.
With a game in hand, the ressies look to put increased pressure on rivals Boroondara in the hunt for second place on the league ladder. What an achievement that would be!
Below: Warragul United’s Nick Modaffari was best on for his team on Saturday. Praised for his versatile and strong defending, Modaffari is favourite to take out the club’s best and fairest prize.