Third straight win for United
Gippsland United’s men’s teams hosted an in-form South Springvale in match five of the State League One season.
Experiencing a rich vein of form themselves, Gippsland United set its sights on a third successive win for both the senior and reserve playing groups.
Undefeated in all four outings this season, Springvale’s seniors tested Gippsland, having the majority of possession in the first half. However, Gippsland were well organised and - thanks to some crucial saves from Aidan Riley - the score remained 0-0.
It looked like the first half would peter out with no goals for either side. But this wasn’t to be.
Despite Springvale’s best efforts to score, it was Gippsland who snatched the lead right before the interval.
With less than a minute left in the first half, the home side flooded the box for a corner. United’s captain Nathan Lugton stood over the dead ball and whipped it into a great area.
Springvale couldn’t deal with the cross and Rory Wagner capitalised. He converted from close range in quite unorthodox fashion, netting his third goal of the season using his torso to force the ball over the line.
Springvale needed a fast start in the second half, and that’s exactly what they got.
The visitors made the most of a free kick just outside the box. It was fired into a dangerous area and United were unable to clear their lines. The score was level at 1-1 and hush descended around Baxter Park as both sets of supporters awaited the next big chance.
United continually threatened on the counter and, after transitioning well from defence into attack, Sammy Gatpan was in behind Springvale’s last line. One-on-one with the keeper, shooting from a tight angle, he saw his right footed effort saved. But Rory Wagner was “Johnny on the spot” again, this time finishing the loose ball inside the box to launch United back into the lead.
The home support was in raptures and the prospect of a third successive victory was not far from becoming a reality.
Abdullio Darmanii made his debut for United, subbed on alongside Xavier Nardone returning from injury. Darmanii’s impact off the bench almost provided the icing on the cake when he struck a simply perfect shot from outside the box on his left foot. Everyone held their breath, as it seemed destined for the top left corner of the goal. The strike was only denied by an impressive fingertip save from Springvale’s goalkeeper, keeping hopes of a draw alive.
United held strong at the back, with Nick Modaffari and Riley Dastey’s central defence partnership vital in getting the home side over the line to seal a monumental 2-1 win.
In the earlier kick off, the reserves played out a nil-all draw.
Springvale momentarily had the ball in the back of the net in the first half, but it was quickly ruled out for offside, saving United from their blushes.
Reserves coach Jason Dastey reflected on another solid defensive display from his side, keeping their fourth clean sheet in a row.
“Again we created enough chances to win the game, but we just missed a bit of composure to finish it off,” Dastey said.
Dastey was pleased with the positive inclusion of a few of Gippsland’s promising under 18 players who stepped in to help the reserve team on the day.
The club now looks forward to next week’s fixture at Warragul on Saturday against a struggling Springvale White Eagles, who are without a win this season.