Old Scotch v Mornington

MORNINGTON FALL TO LADDER LEADERS

Mornington 1 (Dobson), Scotch Old Boys 2 (Whitaker, Truong)

Mornington travelled away to ladder leaders Scotch Old Boys knowing it was going to be a tough task to break down the best defensive unit in the competition.

The game started at a high tempo on a very bumpy pitch with Mornington making the early running with Sebastian Bill and James Copley stretching the Old Boys on a number of occasions.

Half chances came and went for Mornington however it was Scotch Old Boys who had the first chance when the dangerous Truong broke free and crossed only to see the resultant shot blocked by sweeper Johnny Watson.

It was only moments later that Scotch Old Boys took the lead when a defensive mix up spilled the ball free to Whitaker who placed the ball into the open net.

Mornington’s fortunes then started looking up after Scotch Old Boys were forced to substitute their forward after a crunching Brett Van Zanden tackle.

An Andrew Brophy cross then found James Copley who blasted his shot straight at the Old Boys’ keeper.

Scotch Old Boys then mounted another attack and it looked like they had their second goal but for the timely intervention from Thomas Morris-Thomas who headed clear off the line.

Mornington came out after the break looking for an early goal but it was Scotch Old Boys that consolidated a two-goal buffer when Truong headed home from close range.

Coach Brophy rang the changes and brought on Jason O’Dea who for the second week running nearly scored with his first touch forcing the keeper into a diving save.

Dan Waite was then brought on and his impact was immediately felt when his cross was floated just over Andrew Brophy’s head in what would have been a certain goal.

With ten minutes to go Mornington finally got on the board when a Glen teWierik cross found Luke Dobson lurking at the back post who rose high to power his header home.

The ensuing ten minutes saw Mornington throw everyone forward in an attempt to find the equaliser but the Scotch Old Boys defence proved its strength repelling all attacks until the final whistle sounded.

Mornington face Seaford United this week at home in what should be another high-scoring local derby after this seasons earlier 3-2 result.