The Border Raiders men started an important home fixture against one of the leading chasers, Colts United FC, on a strong note, earning a penalty for handball in the 19th minute.
Gaston Dassis made no mistake from the spot, slotting the opener and giving Echuca-Moama something to defend at Jack Eddy Oval.
The goal triggered a period of desperation from Colts, with four away players shown yellow within a ten-minute span following the goal.
In a game filled with broken play, the whistle again sounded for a penalty mid-way through the half, this time in the Border Raiders’ box.
Colts had a golden opportunity to level the ledger, but Echuca-Moama goalkeeper Lachlan Grammlick repelled the attempt, making a strong stop to his right to keep the advantage.
Just a minute before halftime, the Border Raiders found themselves at the spot again, earning a second penalty, this time Seth Turri doing the duties to put the hosts up two goals at the break.
Colts pulled one back in the 51st minute, a Daniel Walsh header sneaking across the line to give his side hope.
The Border Raiders defended their box with zeal over the remaining minutes, racking up several yellow cards of their own.
The hosts had some of the better passages of play down the stretch, creating several opportunities on the counter, but neither side could break through again before full-time, Echuca-Moama earning a vital three points.
The side (9-1-1) pushes four points clear at the top, with only four match days left on the schedule.
Colts have five matches remaining but trail the top by eight points.
Finishing top of the regular season ladder would secure the Border Raiders the rights to promotion to League 1.
The Border Raiders don’t return to action until Sunday, August 2, away at Castlemaine Gold.
Women’s
Jessica Pemberton’s hat-trick fired the Border Raiders women past Golden City 3-0.
The Echuca-Moama midfielder struck quickly, grabbing her first within two minutes to leave Golden City chasing the game.
There was no change to the score through the rest of the first half, the Border Raiders holding the tenuous 1-0 lead into the break.
It took until the 68th minute for Echuca-Moama to double its advantage, Pemberton giving the hosts some breathing room, and she would complete her treble eight minutes from time to put things beyond doubt.
The Border Raiders remain two points off leader Swan Hill, the locals holding a significant goal difference advantage should the sides finish level.
The women’s next fixture is away at Epsom this Sunday at 11am.
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