Woonona have arguably been the Illawarra Premier League's biggest surprise packets and they continue to defy the odds in 2020.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Sharks moved up to second spot on the ladder following a 2-1 win over Corrimal on Sunday. The side has clinched five wins this year, including three from the past four games.
It was a dramatic start to the game at Memorial Park, with both teams on the scoreboard within four minutes.
The Rangers opened the scoring through Takao Teromoto after 90 seconds, before Woonona hit back within two minutes courtesy of a Corrimal own goal.
The game then settled into a pattern before Woonona hit the lead in the 29th minute through Cameron Besgrove.
The Sharks led 2-1 at half time. Corrimal pressed hard in the second half, however, they weren't able to equalise as Woonona recorded victory. Only Wollongong United sit higher on the ladder with three weeks left until finals.
"I knew we had to win because the teams around us on Saturday also got wins - Tarrawanna and White Eagles," Woonona coach Dan McGoldrick said.
"It was a very gritty [win]. The wind was a bit factor in the first half and we got away to a terrible start, conceding in the first minute and 30 seconds. By the three minute, 30 mark, we were back at 1-1 and then got the winner early in the piece. And we were able to hold on.
"As they were looking for the goal, they pushed players forward and played the long ball into them, and we had to defend like demons. I was very pleased with the efforts of all the lads."
McGoldrick said Woonona had been in great form since their 1-0 loss to Wollongong United on August 25.
"Even though we lost that game, we created a loss of chances and they're an absolutely quality side," the coach said.
"We knew that if we just stuck to our game plan and tried to execute it as best as we could, we would give ourselves a chance [in most games]. It's been fantastic."