Magpies swoop to local derby victory

WHAT a contrast in feelings ten minutes of football can deliver. It’s either agony or ecstasy depending on timing and perception. The twist in fortunes delivered Dalyston their first victory of the 2023 season after a see-sawing round two contest with long-time rivals Kilcunda-Bass.

Kilcunda-Bass absolutely blasted out of the blocks kicking to the town end in fine but overcast conditions.

Straight from the first bounce, they were on, moving the ball with purpose to their leading forwards.

Weightman lace out to Daraio, goal. McRae to Stewart to Zijai, another. Then in a blink of the eye Dean McRae marked strongly and the Panthers had their third.

It was scarily reminiscent for the Magpie supporters, who had witnessed this scenario in round one and they couldn’t be blamed for feeling nervous.

However, ten minutes in, the Magpies found their mojo. Legione’s quick hands allowed Murfett to bomb a beauty. Then Blake Carew capitalised on a long Armstrong entry to slot his first. And when

Bowes capped off a chain of handballs with a clever snap, equilibrium had been established.

On the rebound, K-B transitioned the ball and 15-year-old Trent Cartmel spotted up Daraio whose late goal remained the difference at the first break.

The second term was a real arm wrestle early, the Panthers control was interrupted as Dalyston’s tackle count rose and Carew benefitting from a Bowes smother kicked his second. 

Big Will Clarke athletically bagged the next goal from the clubrooms flank giving the Pies the lead.

The home team had numerous chances to score but squandered the majority. Zijai after a succession of behinds kicked a steadier.

Each side added another, Dalyston’s Carew with his third then Mentiplay with a great individual effort to establish a five-point lead at the long break. The Panthers would rue their inaccuracy in this term with only two shots on target out of ten.

On the restart Daraio, in front position, was infringed and his third goal allowed the Panthers breathing space.

Dalyston’s pressure acts continued to rise and Orchard-Moore was the beneficiary, having corralled his K-B opponent to retreat through the sticks.

The whistleblowers had an effect with goals resulting from frees at either end. Daraio for his fourth and Fraser West for Dalyston.

The pace of the game had lifted and both sides were moving the ball on at all costs. Gawley saluted from the pocket for the Panthers but late goals to Murfett and Armstrong dragged Dalyston back and they led by a point at the final change.

With all to play for, the last term was an intense battle. Hard and tough with no beg your pardons offered.

Dalyston’s Mason Storr, with strong hands, marked and goaled but K-B weren’t going to be shaken that easily.

Making full advantage of a deep entry, Jayden Gee swivelled onto his left and dribbled through an answering goal to tie the game up.

Ten minutes left, floodlights taking full effect, the Magpies time to shine had arrived. 

Hallahan breaking from the centre went long and direct and Carew outpointed his opponent to kick his fourth.

Dalyston to a man, stayed in the moment, and Mason Storr iced the game with two final goals.

This Saturday, the Magpies host Korumburra-Bena while the Panthers head down the road to  Inverloch.