Langwarrin too strong for Warragul

Langwarrin took full honours against Warragul on Saturday when they won both the senior and reserve games at home.

The game was played in near perfect conditions on a pitch that was a little on the small side but overall in fairly good condition.

The senior match was truly a case of how unfortunate a side can play in the first half and be dominated, then after the break come out and dominate more of the game.

Warragul seemed to have played their worst half of their soccer years.

Team structure, decision-making and basic skills were absent for the Warragul team and when you are playing a side the calibre of Langwarrin they will not give you a second chance.

The clocked ticked as Warragul turned over the ball allowing the ball back into their defensive area and it was only a matter of time before the ball hit the back of the net.

The ball landed outside the box where a Langwarrin player drove the ball into the roof of the net.

Five minutes later another turn over saw the ball cut across the box for goal number two and 10 minutes later goal number three when the ball was headed home.

Nothing was going Warragul’s way; they lost players through injury and even through being beaten on the park, still hit the cross bar, hit the post and were denied penalties.

At three goals down it was now a case of getting to half time without any other damage done, and that is what they managed to do.

The half time break was a very sombre situation with the words, basic, smart, team and Warragul pride mentioned several times along with a few expletives.

Warragul fully believed they were able to get a result this week and the disappointment was seen through their eyes.

The second half started and the soul searching that had taken place in half time had the Warragul boys going from being dominated to being in control.

Langwarrin now were forced into their defensive area and rarely got over the half way line.

Attack after attack handed out by Warragul created chances that yet again just missed the mark. Langwarrin were clearly rattled. Warragul finally found the net through Jason Dodenciu who finished off a great build up to bring the ball home.

At the end of the game Warragul had definitely gained back some respect but the lack of lustre first half had done the damage.

Hopefully the second half form will be how Warragul starts next week’s game to get a result.

Warragul’s best were Owen Kelly, Danny Dunn and Rory Wagner.

The reserves also had a bad day, but nobody can question their effort that was made.

Warragul conceded two quick goals and were under the pump.

To make matters worse at the 30-minute mark Warragul had a player sent off reducing Warragul to 10 men for the remainder of the game.

Warragul continued to have a go as Dean Nichols sneaked a goal to make the half time score 2-1.

After the break Langwarrin showed no mercy and quickly rattled another three goals with Warragul scoring one of their own.

The final score was 5-2 and even though it was belting for the Warragul boys, they can still hold their heads high for the effort they had produced throughout the game.

Warragul’s best were Dean Nichols, Sam O’Dea and Dane Dodenciu.

Next week Warragul plays Manningham at home.