Rnd 3 v STFA 3-2 win

Played on: 06/05/2006 at Kambah 2 15:00:00 - Result 3-2 win

Match Report

Scorers: Michael Badman, Russ Gibbs, OG.

A controversial goal twenty minutes from time ensured that Tuggeranong United remained undefeated in the ACT State League Division One following a hard-fought, but well-deserved, 3-2 victory over the Southern Tablelands at Kambah on Saturday afternoon.

United were always in control of the match and seemed destined to take a comfortable three points as they stormed into the visitors from the kick off taking the lead after barely five minutes of play. Midfield general Michael Badman shot Tuggies in front with a twenty-five metre free kick that deceived the visiting ‘keeper and netted him his third goal in three matches. Shortly afterwards the lead was doubled when striker Russ Gibbs calmly slotted home, with the outside of the right boot, from a magnificent Luke Fattore through ball.

With the back four of Jeremy Butler, Brett Dickens, Shane Anderson and Jamie Currie in complete control of the STFA attack the visitors rarely troubled Tuggeranong in the first period. However, once the match re-started it was a different story. Two quick strikes saw the visitors back on level terms and only a string of superb stops from man of the match Tim Davies conserved the status quo in a ten minute spell that threatened to derail the season.

Tuggeranong weathered the storm though and showed remarkable composure to regain the lead, albeit in controversial circumstances. Jeremy Mackie's corner was flicked on by Badman and Gibbs touched the ball goal wards only to see it ricochet of two defenders before ultimately being hacked off the goal line. The referee awarded the strike, much to the consternation of the Southern Tablelands support, and Tuggeranong continued their 100% start to the campaign.

Tuggeranong Head Coach Scott Conlon was happy with the result. "We showed excellent character to come back after conceding a two-goal lead, the first goals we have conceded this season. It was important to back up after last weeks' win at Queanbeyan in the first home match of the season and the lads showed their self-belief and their fitness, which got them over the line." Next week Tuggeranong host the highly-rated Woden Valley at Kambah 2 with kick off at 3pm.

Elsewhere a brace of goals from Steve Russell and a rare strike from defensive lynchpin Michael Lee saw Tuggeranong Reserves take maximum points from their State League Division Two match with STFA. The visitors did claim a remarkable goal from halfway, but Danny Parker's charges were always in control of the match thereafter and could have added to their tally in a one-sided second half.

Team Lineup

TBA

Discipline (Yellow or Red Cards)

TBA