Last minute goal gives United the win
It was late drama once again for United in their State League One fixture on Saturday, as they managed to snatch a well earned 1-0 victory away from home at Bentleigh Cobras, to notch up two vital wins in succession.
Central defender, Nick Modaffari was the hero as he soared to head home the 95th minute winner, sending United players and supporters into euphoria.
Warragul entered the 'must win' game for both clubs as favourites. They sat higher on the ladder than Bentleigh and came into the contest on the back of an epic win last weekend over Casey Comets.
Aidan ‘Dos' Riley kept another clean sheet in goals and has acquitted himself well after earning the number one jersey. The solid trio of Modaffari, Danny Dunne and Matt Gauci in the centre of defence once again paid dividends as an experienced backline didn't give the Cobras an inch.
Liam Antonelli made his first senior start since joining the club at right wing back with young prodigy Jobie Heusmann on the left flank. The midfield was without Thomas Ahmadzai whose cursed hamstring had him on the sideline again, so United went with a central two-man set-up of Baley Row and captain Nathan Lugton who were to maintain possession and play in the overlapping wingbacks that in turn would provide service to the front three of Germaine Otieno, Big number nine Rory Wagner who'd scored last week's late winner, and Sammy Gatpan out on the left.
United started sprightly and were the better of the two side early. Bentleigh's keeper was in a rich vein of form as he repelled a good four or five solid chances. Certainly, the Cobras' man of the match. Otieno had a couple of one-onone's denied, with Wagner's strike well saved, Sammy Gatpan coming close and Nathan Lugton sending one over the bar as well. United concerningly couldn't buy one and entered the halftime break deadlocked at nil-nil.
As the second period ticked on it seemed as if Warragul had peaked. They had lost the ‘zing' they'd displayed in the opening term and although United's backline remained untroubled, they failed to create the kind of chances they had squandered earlier.
In a twist of fate that landed in Warragul's favour, Bentleigh had a player sent off for a rash challenge leaving them with 10 men to play out the remaining 30 minutes. However, United didn't seem to capitalise and the Cobras found an extra gear.
United needed to desperately find a winner and were ruing earlier opportunities. As the game entered the final 5 minutes Oscar Sheehan was introduced to add some bite on the wing. He replaced Liam Antonelli who'd played well, worked tirelessly yet had succumbed to fatigue. Bentleigh appeared happy to take the draw but, as the 90 minutes had now expired and the match went into injury time, Warragul pressed hard, bombing the ball into the Cobra's penalty area in the hopes of pinching one late.
In a fairy tale finish, United's plight was answered. A weary Otieno broke free on the left, was tackled, fell, but managed to get back on his feet ahead of his marker. He wrapped his left peg around the ball and delivered sumptuously to the back post. Aerial specialists, Gauci, Dunne and Modaffari had all pushed forward for a last-ditch attack and were licking their lips in anticipation as the cross came their way. The keeper was in no position to get hand to ball this time and the cross found the meaty slab of Modaffari's forehead as he rose above a crowded group of players. His perfectly timed header rippled the net to miraculously give United to lead with no time remaining. The following scenes matched that of Buddy Franklin's 1000th as Warragul's players and travelling band celebrated a dramatic finish.
Coach Steve Maselli, to further 'milk the clock' made a series of substitutions and cleared the bench bringing on Cooper Farr, Leon Varrasso and Daniel Edey in an attempt to draw the referee closer to blowing for time. The strategy worked and Bentleigh's day ended shortly after as the refs whistle announced their demise and United's triumph.
A richly deserved 1-0 win, yet United had left it late once again. Final score: Warragul 1-0 Bentleigh. Best players: The big three at the back. Modafarri, Dunne, Gauci in whatever order you like. Gladiator type performances by all three.
Reserves: The reserves boy had a great 5-3 win in the game prior and made it six wins from 10, placing them in an impressive third spot on the ladder. Four goals of the highest order in the first half setting up victory.
Next week: United are back on home soil (Baxter Park) and face a tough Fitzroy City, who sit in second on the State One ladder.