United comeback halted
Gippsland United returned home to Baxter Park but, despite a gallant comeback, were unable to make it two wins in a row.
In an extremely physical encounter, United lost 1-2 to Football Club Melbourne SRBIJA (Fitzroy) in State League One action on Saturday afternoon.
After two weeks playing away, United looked to consolidate great home form, having lost only three games across seniors and reserves when playing at Baxter Park.
Fitzroy, similarly to Gippsland, were coming off the back of two wins in both divisions last week.
The seniors didn't get the start to proceedings they would've liked, as Fitzroy's forwards combined well with some sharp interplay leading to the first goal of the game.
Neither team shied away from the battle to win the ball, with plenty of fouls committed.
Shortly after going ahead, Fitzroy were awarded a free kick in a favourable position on the left side, just outside the penalty area.
United set their wall as Fitzroy's designated freekick taker readied himself to shoot. It was a perfectly executed strike, going up and over the wall and dipping into the bottom left corner of the net.
In a spot of bother, Gippsland were searching for answers and it seemed as though they would enter the dressing rooms at half-time 0-2.
However, late on in the first 45 minutes, United would capitalise on a free kick of their own.
The home side's captain Nathan Lugton stood over the dead ball and whipped in a great cross.
It was Rory Wagner who popped up at the back post. Not afforded much of the goal to aim at, Wagner connected well with his header, generating plenty of power to beat Fitzroy's keeper.
This was Wagner's eighth goal of the season, making him the league's second highest goal scorer so far.
“Our big striker, Rory Wagner, is in a rich vein of form,” assistant coach Robbie Stephen said.
It was a lifeline for Gippsland United and the spark they needed to push on and get a result.
The home outfit then picked up where they left off, starting the second 45 minutes the brighter of the two teams.
Hoping for more attacking threat, United brought on Brody Demagistris for his first senior appearance.
Chances would come and go for both sides, but it remained on a knife-edge as neither team took the initiative.
It was the last chance saloon for Gippsland when they had a late corner. It was their final chance to draw the game.
The cross was cleared, the full-time whistle blown and the gallant fightback from Gippsland halted.
Held to a 1-2 defeat, Gippsland now sit seventh on the table with 13 points.
Reserves
Gippsland's reserves played out a tight 0-0 draw prior to the senior game, with neither team able to hit the back of the net.
Fitzroy had the best chance of the first half. Most of their play was down the left side of the pitch and they had a golden opportunity to score when the ball was cut back from the byline and the resulting shot flashed just wide.
United defended well, keeping Fitzroy at bay and frustrated their players.
Looking to break on the counter attack, United began to threaten more in the second half as their opponents began to tire.
Under 18s player Lucas Vick made his first appearance in reserves, making a positive impact off the bench.
Vick held the ball up to great effect and linked up well with his fellow forwards. He also had a couple of opportune chances to snatch the win for his side late.
A volley from the young striker on the edge of the 18 yard box was as close as United would come to scoring, his effort whistling just past the far post.
Jarrod Reynolds had another noble performance, making some huge saves to keep out Fitzroy.
It was again another clean sheet this season for Gippsland's reserves six from nine games - making them the second best defence in the division.
However, the young reserves side will continue to look to address their scoring problems. A lack of goals has seen them miss chances to take three points on multiple occasions this season.
Gippsland United travel this Saturday to face Casey Comets in match 10.
In terms of league position, Casey sit just above Gippsland in seniors and just below them in reserves.
It should be an enthralling couple of fixtures as both clubs look to win these crucial games.