Gippsland Times |
Sale scrambled over the line by five points after a low-scoring game of mistakes against Wonthaggi.
The 7.10 (52) to 6.11 (47) result maintained the Magpies unbeaten start to the Gippsland League football season.
The Magpies went into Saturday's match at home without Tom Hams, to suspension, and Kane Martin, who had played an important roles in their first two wins.
With Hams' and Martin's drive and skill around the packs, it was always going to be tough against Wonthaggi, who had been playing well.
Sale also had to change its selected line-up when Mitch Davis and Harry Kaarndorp were replaced by McKenzie Bristow and Bailey Tatnell.
The Power kicked with the breeze to the Macarthur St goal, but could only manage one point to the Magpies two during a goal-less first term.
The Power led by three points at half-time and went into the final quarter with a six-point break.
In a game dominated by mistakes and turnovers, it came alight in the final 15 minutes when Sale made a late charge to salvage the four premiership points.
The Power kept pressing forward, but Shane Fyfe, Ryan Pendlebury, Michael Walsh and Chris Laverty chipped in with timely marks to rebound the ball and set-up scoring chances.
Matt Ferguson charged up the wing to mark a rebounding ball and with the forward line open, Josh Woods narrowed the gap with his second goal. During the third quarter, Woods came from nowhere to mark in the goal square for his first goal.
In another quick rebound out of defence, the Magpies defenders were cool under pressure, finding Tatnell unguarded on the wing. Young Tatnell took off like the wind and had options up forward, but kept running and bouncing before slotting the winning goal.
John Gooch had another chance up forward. Magpies fans were yelling for a free kick when Gooch appeared to be held when trying to get to the ball in the goal square, only to see the Power defender concede a behind.
The Power was in possession of the ball on the wing when the siren sounded.
It was a great save by the Magpies and it was good to see young players involved in the narrow win.
Justin McLay was given the Magpies' best.
Adam Wallace helped cover the absence of Hams and Martin with solid wok around the packs.
Pendlebury was good in defence and kicked two vital goals in a low-scoring match.
Tye Morrison also did well in his debut match, working hard in the packs and also used the ball well.
Woods, who keeps improving, is quick with very good skills.
Joel Wallace was another to handle the conditions well in a hard working game.
Aaron Ware and Aiden Lindsay were the Power's best.
