JAMES Coutts and Zac Walker bagged doubles as Murray United reversed a first round thrashing to beat Goulburn Valley Suns 4-2 on Saturday.
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Just three months ago the Border team was humbled 7-1 by the same opposition at Shepparton.
But on their home pitch at La Trobe it was a new look, fit and healthy United who turned the tables — Coutts pouncing on some indecision to open the scoring midway through the first half.
But for one super save from Nathan Brown scores could have been level at the break, but Walker made it 2-0 from the penalty spot after Coutts was fouled in the box 10 minutes into the second stanza.
The marquee striker scored again from the spot before Coutts brought up his brace with a left-footed chip over the keeper from distance on 86 minutes.
Two goals in stoppage time to Goulburn Valley flattered the scoreline.
United coach Mick Richards said his team deserved a clean scoresheet.
“It was probably our most complete performance of the year,” he said.
“With Ryan Giles, Ash Dunn and Coutts in the midfield we have players who are skilful and tough.
“Coutts’ finish for his second goal was quality, he’s just a class act when he’s in the groove.
“But I thought the back four were great as well — Melkie Woldemichael, Michael Jessup, Sean Pye and Ben Chaffey.
“These guys are midfielders who we’ve asked to be defenders, and each week they put their bodies on the line.”
Coutts said the new-found confidence and results were driven by a near fully-fit team.
“It’s nice to have a squad where there is competition for spots ... the younger boys are pushing now and with everyone fit there is quality waiting on the bench,” he said.
“Even in the under-20s (Coutts coaches that group) we played an under-18 boy, Kheda Stevenson, who got the winner, and Connor Capponechia, from the under-16s.
“They owed the club a win after what they knew was a below-par performance the week before.”
Coutts played down both his goals.
“With the first one the defender and keeper hesitated so I didn’t need an invitation, and then the second I spotted the keeper off his line and chipped him with the left foot,” he said.