Magpies Humiliate Blues

By Ian Marley 25/7/2010

Australind's league campaign was dealt a crushing blow when they were embarrassed by the in-form Hay Park at the weekend. The 6-1 thumping leaves Australind narrowly holding onto third place, with other results going in their favor.

Australind began the match brightly with Player-Manager Chris Norminton striking the ball off the crossbar in only the first minute. But the attacks didn't last long for the home side when Hay Park, despite missing several key players, piled forward in attack.

With much of the back-line unavailable for the game, Australind's makeshift defensive unit looked exposed as Hay Park pressured. Colombera, Buckley, Ward and Exeter struggled hard but their line was eventually broken when late inclusion James Lawton struck for the visitors in the 17th minute. Following a good cross, Lawton arrived unmarked at the front post where head neatly headed home for 1-0.

Only one minute later, in the 18th, Hay Park doubled their advantage courtesy of an own goal by Peter Buckley. Attempting to clear a low cross, Buckley unfortunately deflected the ball past his own keeper to give the visitors a handy lead.

Despite the misfortune Australind fought hard and were able to pull a goal back on 31 minutes. Latching onto a through ball, lethal striker Matthew McTaminey was able to slide the ball past an onrushing Hayden Montgomery and into the net. The goal was McTaminey's 11th in 10 games, having scored every game since Margaret River back in round one.

HALF TIME: AUSTRALIND 1 - HAY PARK 2

After the break Hay Park looked to continue their onslaught, scoring their third in the 63rd minute. James Lawton worked hard to dispossess Brett Colombera before crossing the ball into Paul Harmon. Turning inside the box Harmon was just able to get a shot off, but it was enough to beat a hapless Marley in the Australind net.

Minutes later the lead was again extended when Tom Monkhouse found room to turn and shoot inside the box. His shot flew wide of the keeper and managed to find its way into the net, with a little help from the woodwork.

At the other end Australind struggled with their finishing. McCarthy and McGirr gave good supply to the strikers from the middle, while crosses from Michael Farmer and Matthew McTaminey were often unchallenged. McTaminey had an opportunity to increase his tally, but a good save from Montgomery ensured Hay Park stayed out of reach.

As the game wore on Hay Park over-ran the Blues, scoring twice to round out the game. James Lawton broke past the defence to finish a through ball in the 77th, while Paul Harmon got his name on the score-card when he finished into an open net in the 86th.

The 6-1 defeat still leaves Australind in contention for second place in the League, but they will now have to win all of their remaining games to have any hope. The next match will be for the second round of the Pioneers and Legends Trophy where Australind will face Bunbury Dynamos, an important match to win if the Blues want to raise any silverware this season.