Sport

Picola survives Blighty fight

By Matthew Kappos

May 3, 2026

Picola United had a nervous win over Blighty to improve to 4-0.

Picola United continued an unbeaten start in the Picola District Football League, but it was anything but comfortable against Blighty.

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The Redeyes have been a perennial underdog in recent years, but have looked good in 2026 despite not picking up a victory, pushing several sides within a goal, and that proved to be the case again against the Blues.

Picola established early dominance, but was very nearly pegged back in the final quarter, escaping as a one-point winner 9.7 (61) to 8.12 (60).

It seemed like a different game would be in store after the opening term, as the Blues fired through five majors to one to grab a 25-point lead at the first break.

Blighty started a fightback in the second and Picola cooled off, the margin slimming to two goals at the main break.

The Blues would inch further ahead in the third adding a goal to their advantage, but completely stalled in the final period.

In a remarkable fourth quarter the Redeyes kept the Blues scoreless, but kicked a wayward 2.5 to fall one point short of a famous fightback.

Picola will be relieved to have escaped with the points, but will need to address the patchy quarter-to-quarter form that allowed the late momentum swing and almost cost it the game.

The Blues executed a balanced goal-kicking performance, only Joshua Vallender and Hayden Brown striking more than once.

United is a perfect 4-0, but will be aware that all four sides it has beaten have yet to pick up a win.

Tougher fixtures are ahead, including the Blues’ next outing, hosting Jerilderie at Picola Recreation Reserve on Saturday.