The Tacking Point Tavern Port United squad has started the season with back-to-back wins in both First and Reserve grade Premier League competitions. Saturdays wins in Tuncurry against the Tigers came on the back of round-one victories over the Old Bar Barbarians at Dixie Park.
In the First Grade encounter Saturday, the Port outfit controlled most of the play, however clear cut chances proved hard to come by. The Tigers took the lead early in the second half however United didn’t panic as they stuck to their game plan.
They were rewarded for their efforts with the leveling goal with a little over 20 minutes remaining. Tenacious work from youngster Josh Casey down the left hand side seen him win a ball and provide a low cross into the box which found Chris Bosshardt who made it 1-1.
With the home side under pressure, United pushed on for the win. They found it when Bosshardt turned provider as his work in the penalty area resulted in a goal to another United youngster Jake Avery. There was just two minutes left on the clock when Avery slotted the ball into the net – was his first ever goal in First Grade – and gave United a 2-1 victory.
In the Reserve Grade encounter, the Tigers took a 1-0 lead into the half time break despite United dominating the first half possession wise and with countless amounts of attacking raids. It was only a matter of time before United found goals and they secured the win with two fine finishes from John Hassett on debut for the club and a late strike from Matt Broderick for a final score of 3-1.
This weekend, the squad will travel south again to take on the Wingham Warriors. In First Grade, Wingham held the strong Macleay Valley Rangers outfit to a draw in the opening round of the season. A result which means United certainly won’t be taking the newly promoted outfit lightly as they search for a third straight win in both grades to start the season.
Following Saturdays away trip, United will then return home to Dixie Park on 11 May for a blockbuster against defending champions in both grades, the Taree Wildcats.
