SOCCER
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FOOTBALL Wagga powerhouse Tolland proved it is a serious premiership contender with a come-from-behind victory over Wagga United at Rawlings Park on Sunday.
A goal to Lachlan Bushby midway through the second half proved the difference as Tolland scored an important 2-1 win over its Football Wagga rival in a physical top of the table clash.
The win comes just a fortnight before the two teams meet again in the major semi-final.
It also keeps Tolland's chances alive to overtake United in the final round to clinch the minor premiership.
Tolland star Fred Gardner was red carded late in the first half for a dangerous challenge on Wagga United's goalkeeper but it failed to slow down the Wolves.
Ryan McKenzie put United on top with a cracking goal early, before evergreen Tolland striker Steve Wait equalized.
It was then Bushby who finished off some quality movement from Tolland with a volley goal that proved the match-winner in the second half.
Tolland coach Chris Ayton was full of praise for the Wolves.
"We're really pleased with the result," Ayton said.
"We had a player sent off late in the first half so it was a really, really gusty effort by the boys."
The win puts Tolland within two points of Wagga United on the ladder with just one round remaining.
Both coaches will have some tough decisions to make on personnel for the final round with several key players sitting on two yellow cards.
Wagga United had defeated Tolland on the two previous occasions this year so it was a timely win for Tolland.
Ayton said it was not necessarily a win the Wolves needed.
"We've always had the belief that we can beat them," Ayton said.
"It was a combination of errors as the reasons as to why we've lost to them.
"Now to get up with only 10 men doubles what we've thought all year, it gives us a lot of confidence going into the major semi."
Wagga United lost Dan Lawrence late in the game after receiving two yellow cards.
Wagga United should also welcome back key defender Lincoln Weir for finals.
Meantime, Henwood Park scored a 4-0 victory over Junee in the other Pascoe Cup game yesterday.
In the Pascoe Plate, Cootamundra enjoyed a 3-0 win over South Wagga, while Lake Albert proved too good for Tumut 4-1.
Pascoe Cup
Tolland 2 d Wagga United 1
Henwood Park 4 d Junee 0
Pascoe Plate
Cootamundra 3 d South Wagga 0
Lake Albert 4 d Tumut 1