Young Lions kept their finals charge on course with a nail-biting 1-0 win over Junee at Hall Bros Oval on Sunday.
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The fifth-placed Lions were at risk of suffering the second major upset of the round after Wagga United stunned title contenders Tolland in a 3-0 blitz.
Milo Dowling proved the Lions’ saviour, slotting the only goal of the game in the 80th minute to sink the Jaguars’ hopes of an unlikely draw away from home.
Young coach Mark Mellish said his side were “impatient” at times against the competition stragglers.
“We were working on a few new formations … but we had plenty of chances throughout the game.
“We just couldn’t finish off in front of goals.”
Junee goalkeeper Isaac Cooper was impressive in a losing side, making a number of crucial saves to give the Jaguars a sniff.
“Isaac played really well for them in goals and, to their credit, they (Junee) played pretty well,” Mellish said.
“They were really digging in defensively and it looked liked they were playing for a draw at times, so I’m glad we did get the win.”
Junee skipper Adrian Merrigan said both sides had their opportunities to win the game.
“I think we kept possession a bit better than they did, but the bounce of the ball didn’t really go our way and we missed a few chances here and there,” Merrigan said.
In more positive news for the club, the Jaguars were able to field two sides after concerns their second grade team might have to forfeit due to limited player numbers.
“Second grade actually went alright in the end with a few boys coming in to help them out,” Merrigan said.
“I’m glad we managed to get a team together.”
Young’s attentions now turn to fellow finals contender Henwood Park, who suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Lake Albert last weekend, while Junee prepare to host Tumut at Burns Park.
“Tumut gave us a bit of a beating last time around, but I think we’ve improved since then,” Merrigan said.
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