Like everyone else at the ground, Wollongong United coach had a breathless moment as Liam Unicomb’s strike thundered against the crossbar and down, tantalisingly close to crossing the goalline.
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In the fading light at Tarrawanna Oval, it might have been a VAR review, if the controversial World Cup technology had been fitted out in the Illawarra Premier League clash.
But it was ruled not to have crossed and United survived, claiming a 3-2 win, which puts them seven points ahead of the Blueys, who staged a remarkable FFA Cup run this season and Corrimal Rangers.
Only moments Unicomb almost pinched a point, United’s substitute Cody Waller had found a winner with a low drive to beat Tarrawanna keeper Adam Rodriguez.
“It was just one of those that rattled off the crossbar and for a moment you couldn’t be sure,” United coach Jeff Allport said.
“And it was such an even game, we wouldn’t have been able to complain about finishing with a draw, but it’s great to take the three points.
“We’ve had some injuries and we’re just coming to the end of that hopefully, so getting players back can help us towards the end of the season.”
Nathan Elasi scored a first-half double for United, turning a 23rd minuted 1-nil deficit into a lead.
Elasi was also dangerous in the second stanza and has now scored four in his last five games. Waller then converted his pace in wide areas into scoring the winner, latching on to Daisuke Yuzawa’s pass to find the net.
Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
