Henwood Park barrelled through Tumut and South Wagga, drew with Junee in opening rounds, and fired a warning shot to the most dangerous Pascoe Cup teams by defeating Leeton 3-1 on Saturday.
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Leeton, previously undefeated, beat the defending premier Lake Albert a week earlier, and were tipped to win at home on Saturday.
But the Pascoe Cup has been an unpredictable competition, and Henwood Park’s attack was more effective than Leeton’s on the night.
“It was a close game, 3-1 flatters us a bit,” Henwood Park coach Matt Menser said.
“They dominated the ball.
“We got a couple of counter-attack goals and defended really well.”
Henwood Park’s Jake Ploenges, Sam Thompson and Jamie Potter scored and defenders Luke Monaghan and Chris Hart were just as crucial in the win.
Monaghan and Hart were among players who excelled out of position, covering for the loss of two defenders, injured in round three.
They lightened the load for goalkeeper Nathan Trinder in the second half.
“They played fantastic at centre-back,” Menser said.
“It’s why we only conceded one goal. They were well-organised, they shut them down really quickly.”
At training, Menser will continue to help players diversify and learn new positions.
Henwood Park is now second on the ladder, behind Cootamundra on a goal difference of seven to 16.
Henwood players are optimistic about their prospects.
“Everyone’s really happy,” Menser said.
“Especially after Leeton beat Lake a couple of weeks ago.”
Meanwhile in the Pascoe Cup, Lake Albert recovered with an emphatic 6-1 win over Wagga United at Rawlings Park on Sunday.
“Coach was pleased and so was everyone,” captain Fred Gardner said.
“We will only get stronger and stronger. Bring it on.”
Gardner scored four goals, was goal-assist for the remaining two, and continues to lead the competition’s goal-scoring tally.
Without injured striker Chris Walker, Wagga United hardly pressured Lake Albert’s stand-in keeper Hayden Callander.
Wagga United also missed defender Adam Holmes.
Lake Albert played Cameron Mavor, dangerous on the wing, but a niggling injury flared up late in the game, and it’s likely coach Michael Babic will rest him in round five when they play Tolland.
Lake Albert, in third, sits above fourth-placed Tolland.
Tolland will also come off a resounding win, having beaten Young at Kessler Park 6-1 on Saturday night.
