In a game they were always expected to win, Echuca United took their defence to another level against Tungamah as they limited the home side to just four goals in the first half.
Even against the Murray League’s weakest teams, the Eagles have refused to let up this season and coach Lisa Drysdale couldn’t be happier with her side’s mentality.
‘‘Our defensive effort in the last three weeks has been close to perfect,’’ she said.
‘‘Allowing only four goals in two quarters against any team is much more than I can ask for.
‘‘We did make changes in the second half because we are always looking for new combinations which could come in handy later in the season.’’
Despite claiming a 42-goal victory, Drysdale believes her side were below their best — allowing Tungamah far too much time with ball in hand.
‘‘If I’m honest there probably was a little bit of a hangover from the Moama game,’’ she said.
‘‘The scoreboard doesn’t show how competitive the game was. Tungamah gave us a great contest.
‘‘We probably found ourselves behind the ball a bit more than we would have liked. Sometimes it felt like we were playing the game in slow motion.
‘‘It is something we will need to address at training.’’
While some of her teammates may have been well below their normal levels, Alana Nelson excelled after making the most of her call-up from B grade.
‘‘Alana did a terrific job in the mid-court,’’ Drysdale said.
‘‘Being able to make the step up to A grade is never an easy task but she certainly didn’t look out of place.
‘‘We’re really pleased with what she offered to the team.’’
United will now turn their attentions to a home game against eighth-placed Congupna — with Drysdale confident her side can get back to their best.
‘‘I’m hoping we are switched on from the first whistle,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s another chance for us to continue building towards where we want to be at the end of the season.’’
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