Gippsland United triumph over Mornington

By Solomon Nash

State League 1 Men’s Seniors

GIPPSLAND United’s senior and reserves men’s teams were triumphant in defeating Mornington at the weekend, bringing home all six points across the two divisions. 

These results were especially pleasing for everyone in red and black, as Mornington have proved to be United’s bogey team for some time now.

Earlier in the season the sides played out a thrilling 1-1 draw which either team could’ve won on the day. Their second meeting was similarly closely contested, but it was United who took the spoils, winning 3-2.

The game felt like a boxing match, both teams going blow for blow. 

Spectators could hardly look away as the action barely skipped a beat. 

Despite being victorious in the end, United would take the first blow. Mornington threatened down their right wing, creating a great shooting chance from a square ball. 

It was partially saved by United’s keeper, Aiden Riley, however United couldn’t clear the danger, as it was bundled over the line. A fast start for the visitors and the worst start for United.

But the concession of an early goal provoked a response from United. Bryson Tanti had two shooting chances in quick succession, a volley and a shot from outside the box, both saved by the Mornington keeper. 

But United would soon equalize through Oscar Sheehan. 

Nathan Lugton was the provider of the pinpoint cross, which Sheehan met well, stooping low to head the ball into the bottom left corner, this, his first senior goal of the season.

With about 10 minutes left in the half, United’s goal scorer Oscar Sheehan burst through the heart of Mornington’s midfield and was tackled to the ground, winning a free kick. Nathan Lugton and Rory Wagner stood over the dead ball, conspiring over the best option to try and score. But Wagner went rogue, any premeditated plans were thrown out the window. 

Mornington then asserted some dominance on their hosts at the beginning of the second period.  

They controlled possession and this one way traffic in the second half soon paid off for them. 

Their equalizer coming from a corner, not dealt with by United as Mornington’s top scorer, Rory Currie, was first to the loose ball flicking it into the back of the net. 

The fixture seemed destined for another draw, but United would soon have the last say on the score sheet. 

Tanti whipped in a dangerous ball to the back post from a corner kick. The ball ricocheted around before falling to the feet of Wagner. With Mornington players closing him down, he had to get his shot off quickly.

United’s number nine made no mistake, burying the chance, sending his side back into the lead
once and for all. 

Three valuable points earnt as United try to chase down South Springvale who now sit one point above them on 29 points in fifth.