The Tacking Point Tavern Port United side emerged victors in the Mid North Coast Premier League first grade elimination semi-final with an emphatic come from behind win over Port FC at a wind-swept Tuffins Lane on Saturday. United came from two goals down to win 3-2 in thrilling style.
The teams had to factor into the match a howling southerly breeze blowing straight down the field. Port FC started with the wind at their back and United’s plan was to play the ball on the ground as much as possible. The usual tense struggle between these sides was playing out with little given but after 15 minutes an innocuous long range low shot at goal from Port FC’s Matt Edwards was misjudged by United’s keeper Thomas Reinstra and he could only watch in horror as the ball skimmed through his defences and give the blue team the lead.
Ten minutes later Port FC were celebrating again following a corner that was not cleared well by United and after the ball ricocheted around the 6 yard area finding Jordan Morris who was on hand to finish it off and rock the green team who found themselves down 2-0.
But to United’s credit, they stuck to their plan and continued to build the play and it was following a neat exchange of passes around the FC 18 yard box that put Liam Clarke in behind their defence. His shot at goal was initially parried on to the post by keeper Joey Pearman but it fell straight back to Clarke to finish off and put United back into the game.
This proved to be a major turning point in the match after which momentum swung to United. With the score at 2-1 at half time United were urged to keep playing the ball around and not rely on the strong wind to do the attacking work as many long balls would be carried down field and easy defended.
The first 10 minutes after the break though was all United as they rocked Port FC with 2 quick goals. Both goals were scored by James O’Connor from runs down the left flank. The first one saw him evade a couple of defenders and place a ball across goal that somehow beat the frantic defence and United’s Damien Cross looking for a tap in. The ball instead evaded everybody and rolled into the far corner of the net. The third goal was all O’Connors as he used his pace again, cut inside and hit a powerful shot into the top of the net.
The strong wind was making any long ball attempts from Port FC easy fodder for United who then closed up the spaces and made it difficult for FC to play out. United were warned pre game of not committing silly fouls to limit the always dangerous Brad Spokes free kicks opportunities. But this went largely ignored and left the United coaching staff holding their collective breathes at times, but to their credit, United defended these chances well.
The full-time whistle couldn’t come quick enough for United to record their 2nd straight victory over their cross town rivals and advance to the elimination semi-final against Macleay Valley Rangers on Saturday which will be played at Dangar Street (2.45pm kick off).
Reserve Grade
In reserve grade, Port United let a golden chance slip by when they lost in extra time to Taree Wildcats 2-1. They now find themselves in the elimination semi-final against Wallis Lakes with coach Nathan Attwells having much to work following a less than average 2nd half showing.
United’s performance wasn’t helped with a hamstring injury to their potent striker Adam Woonton just before half time. Running into the strong breeze in the first half, United still managed to control much of the match and came off with a deserved 1-0 lead following an Andy Collins goal. Taree found their way back into the game in the second half though, scoring a goal to take make 1-1. The Wildcats then took victory with a golden goal in extra time.
