Down to 10 men with seven minutes to play against the undefeated Golden City FC, it would have been easy for the Border Raiders to roll over in the round eight Central Victoria League clash against the ladder leader.
Instead, a dramatic last-ditch run inspired the Raiders to do what no other League 2 men’s team has been able to so far this season — defeat City.
Sam Wanesiofa broke a nil-all deadlock in the 88th minute at Jack Eddy Oval, picking apart City’s defence to slam through the decisive goal, resulting in one of the Raiders' finest victories in recent seasons.
And it couldn’t have come at a better time as they fight to stay within reach of the top four.
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On the run: Mason Jennings-Case gets on his bike. Photo by Josh HuntlyImage 2 of 4
Deft touch: Austin Linehan looks for a teammate. Photo by Josh HuntlyImage 3 of 4
Attacking: Ron Rulca dribbles up the ground. Photo by Josh HuntlyImage 4 of 4
Tight tussle: Eoin Rosney battles his Golden City opponent. Photo by Josh Huntly“It was so exciting,” Raiders’ coach Jonathon Keele said.
“We spoke all week about our urgency in our play rather than being complacent. The boys came ready to play, ready to take on the top side.
“We played their second side last week, so they may have been a bit complacent at how they came to play based on that performance.”
While City had the lion's share of opportunities in the first half, the Raiders dominated the second as the ball spent most of its time in the home side's front half.
That was until a red card threatened to derail the Raiders' push for an upset.
“Our centre-back received a second yellow, so we were down to 10 men,” Keele said.
“It was a tired tackle that brought their wingman down.”
However, Wanesiofa, in his first game back from injury, found his fifth goal of the season to hand the Raiders their third win, while Rory Van De Zand, Evan Kostoglou and Suresh Gomez played key roles.
A rousing rendition of the Border Raiders’ theme song, sung to the tune of the Richmond Football Club song, was belted out in the rooms following the final whistle.
The Raiders remain in fifth place heading into a bye weekend, sitting on 11 points with five between them and fourth-placed Swan Hill. They travel to face the Swans when League 2 resumes on Sunday, June 18.
Meanwhile, the Raiders League 2 women kick-started their CVL Cup campaign with a 5-0 win over Golden City, firing four past their opposition in a comprehensive performance.
The Raiders face La Trobe University next Sunday in the third round.