THOUGH they enjoyed a breakthrough victory last Sunday, few would have thought the Wodonga Diamonds would kick on a week later.
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The task against reigning league champions Albury United, who had defeated Cobram and Melrose in the last fortnight, outwardly appeared to be too much.
But the Diamonds defied all odds to record their second straight win for the season, hauling themselves off the bottom of the table in the process.
The loss is a disaster for United, who slip to fifth on the table after Boomers and Myrtleford both recorded wins this weekend.
They got a taste of what it's like to win last week, they weren't about to give it up
- James Dexter
Wodonga Diamonds coach James Dexter said his side came out with intent from the opening whistle.
“They got a taste of what it's like to win last week, they weren't about to give it up,” he said.
“We knew it'd get a good half a year for the pieces to fall into place, given that we have so many new faces at the club and so many kids.
“We've just had to take what we can out of each game up until now.
“In the last two games we've been able to stick with the same line-up, that hadn't been the case earlier in the year.
“We knew it would take a while for things to click, but it's good to finally get some results.
“Hopefully we can surprise a few more teams in the next few weeks.”
The Diamonds were in control from the outset, taking a 2-0 lead into half time thanks to goals from Ben Barlow (15th minute) and Paul Brunec (28th).
The reigning champions were always going to hit back though, and after 10 minutes in the second half, did so through Michael Brownsea.
But the Diamonds stood firm, virtually guaranteeing themselves the points in the 83rd minute after Dylan Nhansana netted the sealer.
“There's no pressure on these boys now,” Dexter said.
“They're feeling comfortable at the level, they feel like they deserve to be out there.”
In other matches, Boomers secured a crucial win over Melrose, keeping their slim championship hopes alive with seven rounds remaining in the home and away season.
Pieter Noordewier's 55th minute goal was all the separated the two teams, with Melrose throwing everything they had at Boomers in the dying stages.
“It was all about the points today,” playing coach Andrew Grove said.
“We've been on a good run over the last month, playing some good football and getting results as well, it was good to keep that up today.
“While we didn't look as dangerous today, we kept a clean sheet, whereas in previous weeks we've let a few too many past us.”
Elsewhere, Myrtleford returned to the winners’ list with a convincing 4-1 triumph of Hotspurs, while Albury City downed St Pats 5-2.
Cobram Roar were too good for Wangaratta, claiming an important 5-2 win over the Red Devils, while Twin City outclassed Wodonga Heart 6-0.