Yass wins by one in close match

The division 4 men’s teams lost their first two games of the season and were ready to break the streak. 

In the first 10 minutes of the opening half, Yass’s Andrew Mclean scored, leading the charge to victory. But Stags Trent McEachan tied the game with a good individual run and a low finish, ending the first half at 1-1. 

There was good team work between the Stags offensive by Jacob Mutton and defensive by Thomas Sansom as the home team continued to put pressure to prevent another goal.

Stags decision to travel the offensive line down the middle saw occasional clusters of movement but a breakthrough play early in the second half saw Yass’s Toby Nolan, trailed by defenders, corner a header into goal. 

With 20 minutes to spare both teams were shooting for goal and Yass’s goalie Mathew Vickers found himself under pressure. 

Despite both Yass’s Grant Taylor and Stags Mutton hopeful shot for goal the match ended 2-1 with Yass taking the win.

Coach Grant Taylor said the early first goal influenced momentum but believed the team could have secured two extra goals by the end of the first half.

“We let them get back into the game,” he said. “We kept moving people forward.”

Taylor commended Paul Jephcott who played his first game following an injury to his toe and Cameron Hodge. 

“It was not the result we wanted but it was a good game,” Stags coach Tony Dunn said. “We lost solidly in the first two rounds now there’s a real improved effort.” 

Dunn said the initial defensive style of play fell short in comparison to playing through the middle, something he wants to adopt for upcoming games. 

“I hope the boys hold their chin up so we can move on and get some better results for the rest of the season.”