UNITED have further strengthened their position at the top of the Shoalhaven District Football ladder with a 2-nil victory over Illaroo at Lyrebird Park on Saturday.
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The ladder leaders maintained the gap between them and second placed Culburra on the weekend following a strong display over fifth placed Culburra.
United were on the score sheet not long into the first half when Kane Goode controlled the ball outside the 18 yard box, before burying it into the bottom corner to make it 1-nil.
Chances kept coming for the home side, with United struggling to capitalise on their possession.
Halfway through the second half, United made the most of an attacking raid as Billy Wallington broke through the Illaroo defence to get one-on-one with the keeper.
Wallington finished coolly making it 2-nil with half an hour to go.
Illaroo had their chances throughout the match but couldn’t make them count as United eventually held on for a comfortable 2-nil win.
United coach Trevor Skingle said it was good to have a full strength side back on the paddock for the first time in a few weeks.
“We just needed to grind out a win on Saturday, and that is what we did.
“I think we were always in control… but we did what we had to do to get the points,” he said.
Illaroo coach Andrew Timbs said with a handful of regular first graders out, he wasn’t disappointed with the result, praising his side for their resilience.
“We are still creating those chances, but we just lacked that finishing touch yesterday,” he said.
“If we can take those chances and get the goals early, we won’t be left chasing the game as we have been a bit this year.
“Good sides score those clear cut chances and don’t have to rely on the 50 per cent chances,” he said.
He praised those who stepped up into the top grade this week, with injuries hampering their selections this weekend.
The United coach credited Illaroo on their effort, saying they battled away right till the final whistle.
“Their blokes dug in well, they were pretty solid at the back and just got rid of anything that came to them,” he said.
With four rounds to go, United need one more win to all but secure the top spot at the end of the home and away season, while Illaroo are still battling away for the elusive fourth spot and a finals birth.
Skingle noted Kane Goode, Matt Lewis and Tom Moffatt for strong performances in their win on Saturday.