The Bega Devils first grade soccer team has continued its recent run of good form, with a 3-2 win over Wolumla at Bega’s George Griffin Oval on Sunday.
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The match was the first fixture between the two clubs since last season’s grand final - where Bega prevailed 2-0.
However, coming off their first victory in their previous game, the Tigers were looking for redemption.
Unfortunately for Wolumla, the match could not have started worse.
They fell behind after just minutes as a defensive blunder from the Tigers’ keeper presented an easy open goal chance for Bega striker Harley Cox.
Bega had been averaging three goals per game after the first three rounds, and played with all the attacking confidence that yielded good results in their previous fixtures.
Bega’s threat in front of goal was soon rewarded as a struggling Tigers defence could not deter an attacking raid, and gave away a penalty for fouling the Devils’ winger.
The initial penalty shot from Cox was saved, but the rebounding ball found fellow striker Jordan Stafford who was able to score to double Bega’s advantage.
There is an old saying in soccer that says “you are most vulnerable to concede a goal just after you yourself have scored”, and Bega found out why first hand.
No less than a minute after the Devils’ second goal, the Tigers clawed one back.
Some poor defence from the Devils allowed a header to be turned in off a free kick and complete the first half at 2-1.
Returning to the field with momentum, Wolumla sniffed a chance to level the scores early in the second half.
They then converted a penalty for a hand-ball inside the box five minutes later to level the scores.
The remaining half an hour to the match was now set up for an exciting conclusion.
Both teams were producing great goal-scoring chances as well as some rapid defence to hold the score level.
The Devils’ passing ability produced their third goal with just minutes remaining.
A quality move involving several players allowed Stafford to set up strike partner Cox to tap in the match winner.
Bega temporarily moves to the top of the table above Tathra, which has a game in hand.
The reserve grade also went to 3-2.
However, it was a reverse result with the Tigers getting the better of Bega.
The Tigers kicked a goal in the final minute to score the win.
