Two minutes of madness
Two big moments in the space of two minutes ultimately decided the result of Gippsland United’s men’s State League One clash with Casey on Saturday.
A red card and a penalty saw the pendulum swing in United’s favour as they secured a 3-1 away win in the round 10 fixture.
United had been the dominant force in the game after being quick to stamp their authority with some positive play in possession.
However, their dominant start would be in vain, as Casey countered whilst United were uncharacteristically disorganised at the back.
Against the run of play, Casey’s attacking foray was finished in some style.
A sharp ball played into the box was stopped dead by their striker, who put it on a plate for Casey’s right winger. He scored into the bottom right corner.
United worked hard to get back into the game and in doing so drew out numerous fouls from the home side.
Mitchell Jones stood over one of the many free kicks United were awarded and fired in a great cross. Riley Hamilton got on the end of the delivery to equalise for United.
It was all square at the break, and the second half would soon begin with plenty of controversy in store.
It didn’t take long for the two biggest moments of the second half to take place.
Riley Hamilton, on a high after scoring the equaliser in the first half, had his involvement end abruptly when he was sent off after an animated tussle with his direct opponent.
Hamilton was red carded, whilst Casey’s player got a yellow card.
This changed the complexion of the game. United were down to 10 men and Casey seemingly would be better positioned to win the game.
However, within only a few minutes, United were awarded a penalty.
As Nathan Lugton dribbled into the box, he was tackled to the ground. It was a rush of blood that was uncalled for after Casey had just gained a numerical advantage.
Rory Wagner stepped up to take the penalty and converted from 12 yards, sending Casey’s keeper the wrong way.
Having an extra player on the pitch would presumably give Casey the edge over the visitors for the remainder of the game.
But, United seemingly had other ideas.
Wagner and Sammy Gatpan were often the outlets on the counter attack as they strived to keep Casey’s backline accountable as they pushed numbers forward.
It was Gippsland’s goal scoring machine who then turned provider.
Wagner, after scoring from the penalty spot to give United the lead, delivered beautifully to Baley Row and, in the blink of an eye, it was 3-1.
Picking the ball up wide on the right, Wagner ran at the Casey defence, going one way then chopping inside, nutmegging his opponent and squaring the ball.
Row was the man on the end of Wagner’s amazing run, giving the assist the finish it deserved.
Nicholas Modaffari and Riley Dastey’s centre back partnership looked formidable as ever as Gippsland was solid at the back and kept Casey out in the second half.
Gippsland secured another three points away from home, bringing its tally to 16 for the season. It places United seventh on the table.
Reserves
Gippsland fielded a squad with plenty of youth and few experienced players in Saturday’s clash with Casey.
It was a back and forth type of game which Gippsland ended up winning 1-0 after being defensively solid and taking the chance to score when it came.
One of those experienced players who lined up for Gippsland was striker and former senior coach Paul Cooper.
Cooper’s aerial threat shone through when he popped up for the game’s only goal, getting on the end of a perfectly whipped ball from Jobie Heusmann.
Cooper’s header was his second of the season, giving Gippsland a vital lead going into half-time.
After the interval, Heusmann nearly added a goal to his assist after the ball fell kindly to him on the edge of the box.
He hit a rising volley that was on course to nestle in the top left corner of the goal.
But, Gippsland’s best chance to double the lead was hampered when Casey’s keeper denied the effort with a spectacular fingertip save.
United’s reserves, similar to their senior counterparts, defended their lead and did so with great togetherness.
Casey’s most clear cut chance came when their striker headed a great attempt on target from a dangerous cross.
Showing his class, which he has done time and time again this season, goalie Jarrod Reynolds tipped the effort around the post to keep Gippsland’s clean sheet intact.
“They found another way to grind out a result,” reserves coach Jason Dastey said.
United’s reserves have only scored 12 goals all season but they have come in key moments.
They have now won three games with a scoreline of 1-0.
Currently sitting fifth on the reserves league table, United have their consistent defending to thank after picking up their seventh clean sheet of the season.
Huge credit went to under 18s debutant Benjamin MacCartney who played extremely well at right full back alongside Harry Tosch, who also had a great game.
“Goals may be at a premium, but when you are the best defence in the league you can get away with it,” Dastey said.
The first half of the season will be completed on Saturday when Gippsland United take on Old Scotch at Baxter Park.
The reserves kick off at 12.45pm before seniors take the stage at 3pm.