9.30AM: DIAMONDS tactical approach to last night’s Wodonga derby maybe the blueprint for others looking to roll title favourites Twin City, says coach Jimmy Bell.
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Wanderers English import James Coutts delivered the winner in the 72nd minute in the 3-2 come-from-behind win at La Trobe University last night.
Bell said the game whet the appetite for the second round re-match.
“It was definitely a game that gives us a good indication of where we are at against the favourites for the title,” he said.
“Tactically we got it right tonight - there were a number of other coaches there and they could take a lot of use out of it.
“Twin City is a great team but I’m really looking forward to the return match at Kelly Park when we hopefully have a few back and the young guys have had a bit more time to develop.”
Wanderers took a fifth-minute lead through Zac Walker, who passed a fitness test on his hamstring, but wasted several other opportunities.
Diamonds equalised through Matt Simpkin and took the lead through Darcy Pawlik on 53 minutes, but Walker completed his double before James Coutts hit the winner in the 72nd minute.
Twin City’s David Afonso admitted it wasn’t their best game.
“But a win’s a win, when not playing at your best,” he said.
“We peppered the goals in the first 15 but squandered chances, they equalised and then took the lead but the boys re-grouped.
“It was a relief — we were undefeated going in but we knew Diamonds would be a tough contest.
“The way the boys re-grouped after going behind was pleasing. There’s plenty of improvement needed but sometimes you need a poor performance to snap you into reality.”
Bell said he was proud of his young squad.
“We hit the crossbar at the end but we just couldn’t get the ball over the bloody line,” he said.
“I’m really proud of the boys. They were disappointed but I told them they could walk out of the sheds with their heads held high.”
Both sides have the bye this weekend.
PREVIOUS STORY: TWIN City Wanderers came from behind to overcome Wodonga Diamonds 3-2 at La Trobe University last night.
Wanderers took a fifth-minute lead through Zac Walker, who passed a fitness test on his hamstring, but wasted several other opportunities.
Diamonds equalised through Matt Simpkin and took the lead through Darcy Pawlik on 53 minutes, but Walker completed his double before James Coutts hit the winner in the 72nd minute.
Diamonds’ substitute Jake Thompson rattled the crossbar in the dying stages.