Unlucky loss for United

Warragul United suffered an unlucky loss by a solitary goal at home against South Springvale in men’s state league one action on Saturday.

In a game where United were underdogs, they put up a brave fight. Had it not been for a handful of wasted opportunities in front of goals and a touch of good fortune from the soccer gods, it could well have been the home team celebrating rather than the travelling team in green shirts.

Round eight brought with it the cruellest of conditions, best described as “putrid”. Bitterly cold, howling winds and constant rain. It was going to be a task of the highest order regardless against an in-form Springvale, so to add an awful early winter day into the mix only made for a tougher proposition.

Coach Steve Maselli went with a classic 4-4-2 formation with a twoman attack of big Rory Wagner, who was in good form and has great ability with good feet to hold up the ball, and fellow strike partner Oscar Sheehan to provide pace and energy to rattle the defence.

Veteran Thomas Ahmadzai was slotted back in the line up for some much-needed leadership and grunt in midfield, and rewound the clock in a spirited 90 minutes. He was joined by Baley “Buzz” Row and skipper Nathan Lugton, with Germaine Otieno out wide on the left.

The backline consisted of the experienced war horse Matt Gauci and newcomer this year Riley Hamilton who was been afield the previous week.

Cooper Farr, who has stepped up to the senior line up with a string of solid displays, held his spot at right full back with Mitch Jones, who is also having a stellar year on the left.

A dominant Aidan Riley remained as Warragul’s number one and looks set to hold on to the keeper position with a continued patch of good form.

United started sprightly and got on the ball early with composed patches of possession.

A stunned Springvale were on the back foot after only two minutes when Germaine Otieno tore off down the left touchline to cut back a great ball into the six-yard box. An incoming Oscar Sheehan, although under pressure from a Springy defender, bizarrely somehow squandered what seemed like an easy tap-in.

The miss would prove costly. Shortly after, the away team cut apart the Warragul backline in a similar attack and squared to an open striker who neatly tucked the ball away for the game’s only goal.

The second half saw Warragul outplay Springvale as they pushed an extra man up front from midfield. They started to play more direct football and play in the wingers for some added pace.

Sammy Gatpan came on for Hamilton after his troublesome hammy went again and had a goal disallowed, controversially ruled out for offside. The United faithful believed it a bad call and ultimately was one that hurt the home team. These moments can be so damaging, not just to one match but to a season. The goal could well have brought with it a point for what would have been a well-earned draw instead of zero as it turned out.

Captain Nathan Lugton was moved to centre back to cover Hamilton’s vacancy and proved yet again why he is United’s best and most versatile player. He was outstanding and mopped up every Springvale advance on goal in an old fashioned “sweeper” role of sorts.

Mitch Jones had a great game and was pushing forward from the backline to support the attack.

Sheehan’s day ended at the 60-minute mark as he crunched his shoulder badly following a signature heavy challenge. He was replaced by Liam Antonelli from the bench who has showed consistency in the twos of late and should well have scored twice in a flurry of late chances.

His first rushed opportunity hit the woodwork and was cleared to safety after a goalmouth scramble, whilst his second was a little more heartbreaking as an inviting ball back to him was driven over the bar rather than the back of the net.

The final whistle sounded with United pressing hard for an equaliser as Springy were on the ropes. Another devastating loss that left United empty handed after being the better side.

Best: Nathan Lugton – great captain’s knock, tremendous second half. Two votes: Mitch Jones – worked hard and provided drive from defence. One vote: Matt Gauci – a typical old-school defensive display. Never flashy, just gets the job done.

Next week: Another difficult home game versus Casey Comets.

Photographs AMANDA EMARY. by Right: Germaine Otieno prepares for a kick early in proceedings. Otieno proved an early handful for South Springvale.

Veteran Thomas Ahmadzai wound back the clock with a spirited 90 minutes of play in the midfield against South Springvale on Saturday.

United captain Nathan Lugton questions South Springvale’s Marcelo Arapis on his actions as Mitchell Jones watches on on Saturday.

Rory Wagner tangles with his South Springvale opponent at United’s home game.

Above: United’s Oscar Sheehan shows some impressive skills against his South Springvale opponent on Saturday.

From left: Yarragon’s Saxon Outojic, Yarragon’s Ryan van de Burgt, Warragul’s Isaac Deane (on ground), Warragul’s Alysa Sheehan, Yarragon’s Aster Moles, Warragul’s Musa Wahid and Yarragon’s Arlo Court all compete for the ball.

Warragul’s Chad McIntosh surveys the field with ball in hand as a teammate and an opponent watch on.

Warragul’s Riley Trewin kicks the ball as the crowd at Western Park watches on.

Warragul’s Saxon Cook thumps the ball forward.

Warranor’s Wesley Ellis handballs to teammate Caleb Horner while under pressure from Blues player Billy Parsons. Photographs by Amanda Emary.

Warranor’s Caleb Horner and Blues player Coby Murnane compete for a mark.

Warranor’s Charlie Brewer boots the ball while Blues player Jonty Lacunes attempts to smother.

Blues player Xanthe Dalton surveys the options down the field.

Blues player Lenny Barake kicks the ball under pressure from Warranor opponents.

Blues player Jonty Lacunes chases a loose ball in the match against Warranor.

Warranor’s Wesley Ellis takes a tumbling mark.