Australind Into Second

By Ian Marley 11/7/2010

Australind continued their push in the South West Times Premier League at the weekend with a convincing 4-0 victory over Eaton Town at the Soccerdrome. Two goals in either half gave Australind the three points which saw them move to second in the League table, only behind run-away leaders Busselton.

Both sides began the match weakened, Eaton missing their captain Scott Jumeaux and striker Marc Hill while Australind were without six of their normal starting outfit. The combination of absences and the inclement weather made for an interesting tie, especially when Blues front man Jeremy Fontanille was forced from the pitch with an injury only 10 minutes in.

Despite the set-back, Australind pressed forward taking the lead in unlikely fashion in the 23rd minute. Gaining the ball at the edge of the 18-yard box, Brett Colombera unleashed a powerful strike towards Eaton keeper Richard Clift, who was only able to half-clear the effort. In the resulting goal-line scramble, Nathan McCarthy had the ball deflect off the back of his head and into the goal to give Australind the 1-0 lead.

Australind soon doubled their lead following a corner from substitute Ben Ward. Ward, after having played a full game in reserves, delivered an accurate cross to Blues Captain Mattais Eriksson who elegantly flicked the ball into the far corner of the net, his 7th goal of the season.

The weather proved to have its impact as the half progressed, both teams finding it hard to maintain possession. Eaton had chances with Afid Ouasine and David Harrison, but resilient defending from Alvaro, Exeter, Buckley, and Eriksson ensured that Australind's lead remained at 2-0 going into half time.

HALF TIME: EATON 0 - AUSTRALIND 2

Following the break, Eaton were forced onto the defensive as the Blues continued to attack. Eaton's Ben Ward and Owain Portman looked to marshal the home-sides back-line, but there efforts were insufficient as a rampant Blues attack marched forward. The score-line would have increased if not for the heroics of Eaton goalkeeper Richard Clift who made countless saves to keep his side in the match.

New recruit Albert Bucchino fought hard in the Eaton midfield with Boubacar Dieme and Richard Bourne, but the attacks were fruitless as Jamie Oakey struggled for support up front. As time began to run out, Eaton threw themselves forward in an effort to salvage points from the match, only to have Australind to score two late goals on the counter attack.

With the home-side deep in attack, a long clearance from Tom Simpson allowed Blues Player- Manager Chris Norminton a clear run at the goal. Showing excellent control Norminton shrugged off his marker, but sending a crisp strike into the top of the goal for 3-0.

Only minutes later, Australind grabbed their fourth and final goal for the game. Using his pace and skill, Josh Harvey slipped past his defender before delivering a pin-point cross to Matthew McTaminey. With the work already done, McTaminey comfortably knocked the ball past the keeper for his 9th goal of the season, handing Australind another resounding victory.