Magpies topple improved United in Three Jacks clash

Things were much tighter this time around, with United showing some the strides it had made this season.

Moama did make an early move, kicking five goals in the first quarter, while the Eagles could manage only one and trailed 1.4 (10) to 5.3 (33) at quarter-time of the Murray Football League clash.

United was able to frustrate the Magpies in the second, adding a second goal to its tally and forcing the visitor into wide positions, resulting in a wayward 1.9 from Moama for the quarter.

The period was highlighted by a spectacular flying effort from United’s Oliver Pool who rose above his opposite man to a raucous reception from his home supporters.

The trajectory of the game was much the same in the third quarter as in the second, with Moama plagued by a slew of behinds, while United added another major, losing the period by only three points.

While Moama was on top, the Eagles were creating well in the midfield in periods, but were unable to convert inside 50s into scores, either through Moama pressure or spilled marks.

At three-quarter time Moama held a respectable margin of 34 points, 7.16 (58) to 3.6 (24), but would have been disappointed to not be further ahead.

It rectified that issue somewhat in the final term, booting five goals, along with another six behinds, to extend the lead to 64 points at the final siren, 12.22 (94).

“They came out to play, they were ready to go,” Moama co-coach Jye Warren said.

“I thought we let a few of their really top end players off the chain a little bit and didn't respect them at the start of the game which is pretty disappointing by the boys, obviously that wasn't the plan.

“A few lads out there started to play a bit of individual footy in that first quarter and second quarter, but as the game gradually went on we sort of grinded them back a little bit and I think our fitness sort of outshone.”

Warren rued his side’s inaccuracy in front of goal, crediting United for doing a good job corralling his side into unfavourable areas.

“It was probably just our positions,” he said.

“To United's credit they put a lot of pressure on us, so it wasn't just all our mistakes, it was their pressure.

“We were trying to kick goals from areas where you can't.

“You look at the pockets at United they're pretty wide and it doesn't really give you much of a look, so we we're having shots in positions where we shouldn't be and that was purely because of our entry.

“Overusing the football in the midfield creates that sort of kamikaze kick.”

Echuca United coach Scott Beattie was happy with his side’s performance as it continues to develop its young squad.

“It's not a 40-point turn around (from round one) or anything,” he said.

“It's just a huge change in how we play, so that's what's important right now.

“Our young guys getting better, we'll play new guys every week.

“(We had) six guys that haven't played five games in there, so I was pretty pleased with it.”

Beattie was positive about his team’s ability to frustrate sides for periods this year as he guides his young side to a more complete performance.

“It's educational more than anything else, there's no point ranting and raving I've got to arm them with all the information and a game plan to be able to compete,” he said.

“If we can do that for long enough, then you can compete.

“We frustrated Deni last week and I'm sure we frustrated Moama at times today and they would have liked to have run over us, but we fought it out.”

Warren admits his team would have liked to put in a better performance as his side looks to separate itself from a crowded Murray league table.

“We're probably in a position where we need to try and finish in that top two spot and (we need to) take advantage of these games against Cobram (next week) and even especially today (against United).

“We should be trying to build on percentage today, but unfortunately we couldn't, but Cobram is going to be a really good game and if anyone's in town to get to Moama because it's going to be an absolute thriller.”