United win two on the road
After only accumulating one point from the past two games, Gippsland United senior men's team travelled away to face newly promoted Collingwood City.
They left victorious, with a 3-1 win having United remain in seventh on the State League 1 ladder.
The home side showed their early intentions to try to control possession. They were set up to play out from the back, however, this style would eventually play into the hands of a high pressing and unrelenting Gippsland outfit.
The first big chance of the game fell to Rory Wagner, who nearly capitalised on Collingwood's poor attempts to play out from the back.
He had two shots saved in quick succession, before Sammy Gatpan arrived on the loose ball and was only denied the opener by a goal line clearance.
Collingwood were walking on thin ice and a Gippsland goal seemed imminent.
Riley Dastey and Nick Modafari again had an outstanding performances in the centre of defence. One of Dastey's key moments in the match was an extremely strong sliding tackle to break up play on the halfway line.
The ball was still in contention and Ashley Ross, similarly to Dastey, threw himself into a challenge to win the second ball. He got to his feet, had a look up and had a shot.
It was an audacious effort from 30 yards out, but it certainly paid off. Ross chipped the goalkeeper as the ball nestled in the top left corner of the goal, sending everyone of a Gippsland persuasion to be well and truly off their feet.
The teams entered the dressing rooms for half-time with the score at 1-0 in United's favour.
The away side were good value for their lead, but there was still work to be done in the second half.
One of United's most consistent performers this season, goalkeeper Aiden Riley, unexpectedly contributed directly to doubling his side's advantage.
After claiming a ball in his penalty area, Riley punted the ball downfield, causing problems for Collingwood's backline.
Rory Wagner reacted quickest to Riley's long drop kick and he put the ball past Collingwood's keeper.
Wagner then doubled his tally for the day, scoring a great header from a pinpoint cross from Sammy Gatpan. It was one-way traffic for United as they went three goals to the good.
A late Collingwood goal put Gippsland under pressure for the final minutes of the game, but one goal was all the home side would conjure on the day.
Reserves
In the earlier kick off, United's reserves fielded a very young side, including four under 18 players.
Collingwood started on the front foot, with their wingers forcing United to concede multiple early corners.
Their biggest chance of the game came from a header from one of those early corners that looked destined for the bottom left corner of the goal.
Keeper Jarrod Reynolds reacted smartly and got down low to parry the shot away - an absolutely crucial contribution to keep the score level.
After chances were missed at either end, both teams were content with going in all square at half-time, giving them the chance to regroup and go again.
Conor McCluskey played a key role in closing down the spaces in midfield, covering lots of ground.
McCluskey topped off his performance by assisting his captain Cooper Farr, who made a great run from midfield and scored with composure. It was a perfectly weighted ball and a captain's goal that United oh-so needed.
United then displayed outstanding determination and togetherness to defend their lead as Collingwood pushed for an equaliser.
“It was an excellent compact defensive performance”, reserves coach Jason Dastey said.
Dastey was pleased with the three under 18 players who started the match and came through with flying colours.
“Very happy coach”, Dastey said. It was a great day for Gippsland United as, on the banks of the Yarra River, they banked all six points.
The club will be back home for round nine on Saturday, facing Football Club Melbourne SRBIJA (Fitzroy) at Baxter Park in Warragul.
Reserves will play at 12.45pm and seniors kick off at 3pm.