GAWLER Eagles put a tough week behind them to emerge 2-1 winners over Northern Demons in State League 2 soccer on Saturday at Karbeethan Reserve.

The Eagles’ coach, Charlie Villani, announced mid-week he was stepping down from the role, citing personal reasons, with assistant coach Mike Cawood taking charge for the rest of the year.

The personnel change didn’t rattle the competition’s second best side, as the Eagles struck gold in the fifth minute through Brad Docherty.

However, Marco Balsamo netted an equaliser in the 32nd minute to ensure the scores were 1-1 at half-time.

The Eagles were sensational in the second half and pushed on for victory, as they have done so often this year.

Gawler got its winner through Thierry Hatungimana, who celebrated emphatically with a backflip.

The Eagles held on for their 10th win from 15 matches, as they continue to pursue top-of-the-table side Adelaide Hills.

It was a different story in the reserves, as the Eagles succumbed to the Demons 1-4.

Manos Koutelas scored the Eagles’ only goal.

The result leaves Gawler languishing in 10th position, above only UniSA FC and Mount Barker United.