NPL1 Round 16 Wrap

By Tim Warren / capitalfootball.com.au

Belconnen United 1 (Luca Macor 66’) def. Tuggeranong United 0

NPL1 Round 16 Wrap

Belconnen United strengthened their chances to play finals football in 2019 with a gutsy 1-0 win over Tuggeranong United at McKellar Park on Saturday afternoon.

The victory propelled the Blue Devils into the top four, with Belconnen picking up their sixth win of the season to reach 20 competition points.

The only goal of the game which eventually proved to be the match winner came in the 66th minute when Michael Taurasi had a magnificent run down the right wing before cutting back the ball to Luca Macor in the centre of the box to hammer it into the net.

Earlier, in what was a scrappy and physical first half neither side were able to break the deadlock, although there were a few notable fouls

Jake Garner was brought down by Sam Isabella with a late challenge in the 18th minute for the first yellow card of the game, while the hosts’ Michael Taurasi was booked when he lunged for the ball against Jakob Wiseman and collected the keeper with his boot.

Garner had a great opportunity to open the scoring in the 33rd minute when his head found the end of Dustin Wells’ cross, but Wiseman was able to collect the ball easily and get his side out on the attack.

Garner minutes later floated forward at the back-post once again, but the ball was just too long for the young defender to nod towards goal.

Sam Whithear had his close-range shot blocked in the 37th minute, with Belconnen constantly pushing for the go-ahead goal in the later stages of the first half.

Taurasi had a fantastic opportunity to take the lead for the hosts in the 62nd minute when he received the ball after a quickly taken free kick, however his shot bulleted straight into Wiseman’s arms.

Substitute Daniel Fulton had a big chance to open the scoring when Andrew Slavich’s low cross found him, but he skied it well over from close range with the goal begging.

That chance going amiss proved to cost them dearly as Belconnen scored their sole goal through Macor straight off the goal kick.

Both sides had a myriad of minor chances during the final 25 minutes of the second half, however no opportunity was able to threaten the keeper and the score line remained 1-0 for Belconnen to claim the three points.

Tuggeranong will have one last chance to ignite their finals chances as they visit Deakin to play Canberra FC on Wednesday night.

Original website: https://capitalfootball.com.au/npl1-round-16-wrap/