United reserves on fire
The focus has shifted to Warragul United's forgotten heroes in the reserves team after the senior team came away from Cranbourne empty handed.
United's State 1 men's reserves team had another great win on the weekend. The 2-0 victory over Casey Comets handed United their 14th win from 19, and 13 consecutive games without a loss.
It is a spectacular effort and, perhaps, the best campaign by the club's “two's” in its State League history.
The reserves now sit just one point off second place on the ladder, with a game in hand over Boroondara. A win against Mornington on Saturday will see them cement their position in second.
Coach Jason Dastey's men have a tight bond and have gelled well as a unit this season.
Traditionally, the reserves list suffers with any sort of cohesion lost due to the demands of the senior team. Naturally, injury or unavailability in the first-grade team requires a reserves player in form to be pulled from the squad to bolster the senior ranks.
Of course, this has occurred frequently in 2022, yet the talent within the squad has been of such quality that Dastey has always been able to field a strong starting 11 capable of “bringing home the chocolates”.
This week, United lined up with the ever-reliable defender-turned-goalkeeper Connor Emans. Best and fairest dark-horse Riley Dastey was in front of him as a traditional, old school “stopper”.
Working in tandem with Dastey in central defence was ressie captain Cooper “Super” Farr. Jobie Heusmann was brought in on the left, with Myles Luders on the right. An experienced and solid back four.
Mark “Kiwi” Alcock stood tall in the centre of the park, with quality newcomer this year Liam Antonelli pairing with another best and fairest favourite Daniel Edey to round out a stellar midfield.
Speedster Germaine Otieno spearheaded the centre of attack up front, with Leon “The Bunyip Flyer” Varrasso and young Hamish “Hammer” Dastey either side.
Warragul played some sumptuous football right from the very start, and it was evident early that they were the better side. Casey were on the back foot and had adopted a deep line of defence to clog up and stifle any United advances.
Some quality possession and link up play allowed Warragul to break through, and a near post header from a difficult angle from Varrasso found the net and gave his side the lead.
A defiant Casey battled hard, however, and wouldn't go down without a fight. United's persistence and all-round team play paid dividends in the second term when the decisive second goal came. Daniel Edey latched onto an errant pass in Casey's backline and, with only the keeper to beat, rifled the ball into the net to “ice” the contest.
Edey has been scoring goals for fun this season from midfield, displaying shades of a prime Frank Lampard. He was again best on the weekend, and will no doubt be amongst the trophy winners come presentation night.
The 2-0 scoreline gave United a deserving victory.
Along with Edey, Cooper Farr, Riley Dastey and Jobie Heusmann were honourable mentions for their contributions. It was another polished performance by all concerned.
The senior and reserves team
Both teams travel to league powerhouse Mornington on Saturday for a catch-up contest. Both games will offer a very tough challenge.