Leeton United were able to turn one of Cootamundra’s strengths against them during their second round match at the MIA Sports Field last weekend.
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The Strikers’ first grade had worked themselves into a strong position before going into half-time 2-1.
In a bid to gain some competition points through a draw, or a win, the Strikers pushed hard but Leeton kicked high to exploit a weakness in Coota’s back-line.
United were able to use those high balls to score the match-winner and won 3-1 at 90 minutes.
Co-coach Adam McPhail said it wasn’t a good result.
“We were on par until the second-half,” McPhail said.
With a general bye this weekend, McPhail said the team had been working to restore their formidable ‘air power'.
“We had done a lot of hard work to put ourselves in a good position,” he said.
“We were exposed with some high balls at our back line, it’s something we’ve spoken about and worked on this week and will again next week.
“Usually we don’t have to have to work on it because we’re one of the strongest teams in the air.”
McPhail said the high ball was the difference between a win, draw and loss.
Aaron Kemp scored the team’s only goal after he was taken down by the Leeton ‘keeper. Kemp made the most of a free kick, slotting a goal.
“If we get a chance, we’ve got to those chances,” McPhail said.
He highlighted the effort of teenager Scott Endacott, “he played really well, he has vast potential and is starting to play above his age. It’s great to see him having a good game and dominating”.
The Strikers were missing both Nick Ashe and co-coach Brent Farnsworth against Leeton United and both would have made a tangible difference during the match.
McPhail said Farnsworth was serving a two-game suspension and would also miss the next round against Tolland.
However, Farnsworth was on the sideline taking notes for the Strikers to help devise some improvements for the team.
Meanwhile, the Strikers reserve grade side secured a 2-all draw against Leeton.
First graders Max Holder, Brenton Forsyth, Kane Cassidy and Mark Rogers provided vital help for the team.
The team were down 2-all and Forsyth scored two goals in the final 15 minutes to earn the draw.
The Strikers host Tolland on April 29 at O’Connor Park.