Seagulls return to the winner’s circle against Seahawks

After only claiming two draws and a loss form their past three games, the Seagulls were desperate to secure all three points and keep alive their top two dream.

Goals from Jayden Lee and Alex Boardman proved the difference for Rob Hawker’s men – a performance coach Hawker hopes they can build on in the weeks to come.

“To be honest, not much changed on Saturday from the couple of weeks before,” Hawker said.

“After two strong performances against Culburra and Bomaderry, we took the gas off against United and were punished – despite us missing a penalty late, which would have drawn that game.

“Since then, we dominated for large periods of the game against Basin but just couldn’t capitalise on it.

“It looked to be the same story against Sussex, with us missing a host of chances early in the game.

“Thankfully, we managed to score twice in the last 10 minutes, to secure a much deserved three points, which keeps our goal of finishing in the top two alive.

“We now have the week off but when we return for the final three matches of the season, we just need to concentrate on our finishing.

“Our defence is rock solid and we are creating enough chances – we just can’t find the back of the net at the moment, but I’m sure that will change in the coming weeks ahead of finals.”

This win leaves the Seagulls in fourth position on the ladder, on 36 points, three behind third placed Culburra – who were held 1-all by Manyana at Culburra Oval.

In a game full of end to end action, Dougie Gray scored for the hosts while Sam Swan found the back of the net for the Wanderers.

With the draw, the Cougars lost ground to Gerringong in the race for second spot, as the Breakers edged out bogey team St Georges Basin 1-nil.

An Andrew Lockard goal proved the difference between the two teams at the St Georges Basin Sporting Complex.

Despite the win, the Breakers are still nine points adrift of premiers Bomaderry, who cruised to a 4-nil win against Shoalhaven Heads-Berry at Bomaderry Oval

In the win, their 15^th for the season, the Tigers’ goals were scored by James Eldred, Dane Tasker, Jordan Haddow and Brendan Kellett.

Nathan Aldridge and his team are now just one win away from claiming the competition championship, a feat they will look to do this Saturday against Manyana.

The final game of the round saw Shoalhaven United and Illaroo share the spoils at Lyrebird Sports Park.

Shaun Adlous scored for the Bears in the 1-all draw, while Hayden Strand scored his second goal in two games for the Roos.

Milton-Ulladulla had the bye in round 18.