Albury United has kept its AWFA league hopes well and truly alive with a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over defending league champions Cobram on Sunday.
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The Greens trailed on two occasions and prevented numerous Cobram chances to hold on for a gritty victory.
An own goal got United on the board, but it was Cobram that took a 2-1 lead into the break thanks to efforts from Bill Puckett and coach Adam Gatcum.
Hudson Magerstein brought United to life in the second half with a brilliantly taken free kick, before James Mason pounced on a loose ball in the box to put them in front, which was ultimately the match-winner.
United coach Matt Campbell admitted Cobram were the better side for most the day, but was proud of the way his side hung in.
“We were disappointed with last week, I thought we could have done better with the goals we conceded, but it was a really good effort today to keep the hopes alive,” Campbell said.
“Jimmy (Mason) scores virtually every time he plays, so we’ve just got to get him fit.
“He’s been playing on one leg, he’s been crook and just hadn’t had a good run the last month, so it was good to get him back out there.
“We’re happy with the win at this stage of the year against a good team like that.”
Cobram coach Adam Gatcum conceded it was a game of two halves.
“The first half we were well and truly on top and they weren’t really causing any trouble after their set piece own goal,” Gatcum said.
“To be fair, they came out firing in the second half and changed their game plan, so it was difficult to find space.
“We still created chances, we hit the bar and had two or three good opportunities, but we didn’t take our chances unfortunately.”
The Roar will be sweating on some positive news on Puckett after the striker left the field midway through the second half with a knee issue.
“He has done a knee in the past, so the initial reaction was a bit more worry, but hopefully it’s minor rather than major,” Gatcum added.
Albury City and Melrose played out a 0-0 draw in the other game at Jelbart Park.
City coach Matt Maw was happy to take a point after Darian Maw was red carded late in the peace.
“It was a scrappy game and scrappy day and the last 10 minutes nearly cost us last week,” he said.
“It was a bit worrying to go down to 10 this week in that period of the game, but to keep a clean sheet against Melrose was pleasing.
“It would be nice to get three points every week, but we’re still undefeated for five or six games now.”
Melrose coach Kade Rixon was bemused after what he felt was a dominant performance from his side.
“It’s positive we’re creating chances and I’m still confident with what we’re doing,” he said.
Recruits Shane Ellwood and Ben Chaffey impressed in their first games of the season for the club and Rixon knows they’re only going to better with more game time under their belts.
“That was Shane’s first game for eight or nine months,” Rixon said.
“Chaffey is smart, he’s creative, he’s a good ball player, so I’m absolutely thrilled to have them two.
“They’re two of the best in the league, they’re super players.”
On a sour note for Melrose, Josh O’Brien is set to be sidelined for a number of weeks after injuring his shoulder.