Soccer
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AFTER a drought-breaking win, Temora is looking to build on its only victory this season as the finals approach.
A late inclusion to this season's competition, the 2-1 win over South Wagga on Sunday moves the Redbacks off the bottom of the ladder.
Coming out firing and scoring two first half goals, the win has elevated the young Temora team's spirits heading into the finals.
After 17 winless rounds, captain/coach Chris Marsh was thrilled to be on the right end of the scoreline.
"It was absolutely fantastic as we were a little bit disappointed that we didn't get a win in the first round," Marsh said.
"That's the way things go and we've managed to get a win on the board now so we are over the moon."
South Wagga came away with a narrow 1-0 win the last time the two teams met, but this time it was the Redbacks that had the better of the early play.
Ryan Kennedy and Ben Baldock scored to give take a 2-0 lead at half-time, before South Wagga hit back.
With Marsh struggling to deal with the sun in goal, South Wagga got one back, setting up a nervous end to the match.
Temora had a couple of chances to get back to a two-goal advantage but despite not being able to find the finishing touch, held on for the win.
Marsh was pleased with the performance in the first half, but did admit the inexperienced team struggled to keep up the pressure in the second half.
Although they've been one the end of a few hidings by Wagga United and Tolland this season, for the most part Temora have competed well in their first year back in the competition.
Temora will face Cootamundra on Sunday, and Marsh is out to continue the team's good form in the lead up to the finals.
"We are looking to give Coota a run for their money and see what we can do in the run into the finals," Marsh said.
"We will be looking to consolidate what we've done against South Wagga this weekend in the first round of the finals.
"Hopefully that's lifted their spirits, they know they can do it now, and we might be able to push further into the finals series."
Meanwhile, Henwood Park consolidated its advantage over Junee with a 4-0 win.
Henwood Park remain four points behind second-placed Tolland, who enjoyed a comfortable 8-1 win over Cootamundra.
With the competition now splitting the top four teams, Wagga United, Tolland, Henwood Park and Junee, will all each other once more before reaching the finals start.