Mitcham v Mornington

MORNINGTON MAKES IT TWO ON THE TROT

Mornington 4 (Dobson, Brophy, Copley, teWierik), Mitcham 2 (Kennett, Bacalis)

Mornington made the road trip to Mitcham last Saturday knowing that a win will see them move above sixth placed Mitcham.

On a small park Mornington looked to press forward at every opportunity and it was 17-year-old Sebastian Bill who set the tone for the day unleashing an early 30-yard pile driver that had the Mitcham defence scrambling.

Only a few minutes later a marauding run and some great link-up play saw Morris-Thomas produce one of the first corners of the match.

A Copley cross found Dobson unmarked at the back post and the striker made no mistake ramming his header home for Mornington’s first of the day.

This goal stunned Mitcham into action as they mounted a number of attacks that eventually resulted in Kennett beating the off-side trap and slotting home from 6-yards.

A forced substitution saw coach Andrew Brophy come on for an injured Morris-Thomas and with one of his first touches he found the back of the net to make it 2-1 for Mornington.

Both teams fought grimly to half time and Mornington must have thought they were there but a mistimed clearance fell invitingly for Bacalis who made no mistake smashing the ball into the top corner of the net.

Mornington began the second half kicking with the wind and it was Brophy who had the first opportunity after receiving the ball on the edge of the box he turned his marker only to send his shot wide.

Not content with this score line Copley fired in a shot from outside the box that beat everyone except the upright.

Copley’s shot proved to be an early warning as less than five minutes later he received the ball out wide, beat two men and sent a curling ball rifling into the back of the net.

Mornington’s hold on the game was now apparent and it was teWierik who ensured the points when he latched onto a volley from thirty yards and sent it flying into the top corner of the goal.

Mornington have the chance to move up to 5th position if they defeat Dandenong Sparrows this Monday. Mornington then face ladder leaders Ashburton this Saturday at home.