The ninth-placed Warriors threatened a second Pascoe Cup boilover in as many weeks, striking early to take a 1-0 lead at Rawlings Park and keep Tolland fans on edge.

Star striker Jaiden O’Brien proved the difference, breaking his goal drought with a classy brace, while Cameron Kopp put the result beyond reach with his side’s third goal of the night. 

“It was a pretty tough game and I’m proud of the way everyone stood up, even though we were down on troops,” Lawrence said.

“South Wagga were up for it and they put us on the back foot to start with, but I think we really stood up physically and put the pressure back on them towards the end of the game.”

Meanwhile, Tumut remain a mathematical finals contender after notching a 4-0 win over Junee at Burns Park. 

The Eagles raced out to a 3-0 lead at half time, courtesy of goals to Dylan Piper-Bye, Murray Barratt and James Goode, before Reece Mastellotto put the result to rest with an excellent strike on the hour.

Tumut skipper Matt Lopez said an unusual attacking formation paid dividends for his side and praised the efforts of goalkeeper Martin Canteros Paz for notching the club’s first clean sheet.

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