Goulburn Valley Suns exacted revenge for their earlier season loss to Murray United with a 3-2 triumph against them in the second regional derby at La Trobe on Saturday.
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Former Cobram Roar coach Adam Gatcum scored a screamer from beyond the 18-yard box to ultimately seal the victory in the 83rd minute.
Fellow Roar export Billy Marshall put the Suns in front after 16 minutes, before coach Craig Carley doubled the advantage 10 minutes into the second half with an individual run and finish.
Murray edged its way back in the 80th minute when Sean Pye’s quickly taken free quick along the right sideline lobbed the Suns’ keeper into the top left corner.
But just as the hosts looked to be gathering some momentum, Gatcum delivered the killer blow with a stunning first time strike three minutes later.
Sam Brosolo wrestled one back with a tap in from a cross at the far post, but the Suns held their nerve the claim the three points.
Murray coach Elliot Jones felt the better side won the game.
“They took their chances and probably created more than us, so we have to cop that,” Jones said.
“We can’t fault the effort in the second half to get back in the game, but it was too little, too late unfortunately.”
Jones considered starting star recruit Daniel Vasilevski, but illness during the week forced him to come off the bench, while under 20s players Brosolo, Alec Mills and Azia Feltrin showed plenty of positive signs.
“Getting some younger guys on late in the game is important to us late in the season,” Jones said.
“We don’t have a lot to take out of the year, so if we can take that as a positive, then we will.
“I thought the first goal we conceded was sloppy, the second one was quite sloppy also and the third goal you can’t do anything about, that was an absolute wonder strike.”
Carley was delighted with the result.
“I thought we were in control for the majority of the game, we had a couple of defensive lapses that allowed Murray to come into it, but generally I was quite pleased with our structure and how we set up,” Carley said.
“Matt Lelliott and Adam Gatcum were fantastic and really got on top of the game and allowed us to play once we got out of the defensive third.
“He (Gatcum) seems to hit them at training, but he hasn’t got onto the end of the them in games apart from today.
“I’m delighted for him, he’s been fantastic all season and been a great signing for us.”
Despite guaranteeing a top-five finish with the result, Carley feels like his side has underachieved, with top-two the aim for next season.
The ladder after round 27 is: Dandenong City 60, Moreland City 53, Eastern Lions 39, Springvale 39, GV Suns 35, Melbourne City 31, Langwarrin 29, Box Hill United 29, Murray United 25, Nunawading City 16.
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