LIAM PHILLIPS
AFTER four consecutive draws, the Gawler
Eagles are finally back in the winners’
list with a comprehensive 3-0 win away
at Pontian Eagles, leapfrogging the hosts
in the process up to sixth spot on the
12-team ladder.
Pontian was without star striker Anthony
Dimas, who leads State League 2 with 15
goals in his eight appearances, and the home
side’s lack of scoring power proved to be pivotal
in the result.
Gawler struck first in the 20th minute
through Sam Redwood, before doubling its
lead before halftime with yet another Thomas
Berg goal, making it seven goals in seven
games since joining the team.
The visitors protected the 2-0 lead well
until Jack Mina put the game to bed in
the 78th minute, securing a 3-0 victory and
bringing Gawler’s goal difference up to
+11 from nine matches, which is tied for
third best in the league, while also being
one of only three teams with one or fewer
losses.
Gawler coach Andrew Burgess was thrilled
with the performance, giving credit to a number
of his players.
“We started on the front foot and were
bossing the game, especially in the middle
and final thirds of the pitch,” he said. “Aaron
Taye was creating havoc in the middle of the
park, having a shot from 30 yards out hitting
the crossbar which brought the crowd into the
game.
“We won numerous corners early on, creating
pressure which we always are talking
about as a team.
“We came out in the second half with the
same intensity, creating some excellent movement
off the ball. The pressing from Aaron
Taye, Thomas Berg, Jack Mina and Matthew
Di Matteo was terrific, and it won us the ball
late to make it 3-0 for a deserving win.”