AFTER heading into halftime of its round one Adelaide Plains Football League clash at Mallala with a surprise lead, United’s performance in the ‘premiership quarter’ let it down to ultimately come up two goals short, losing 8-6-54 to 10-6-66.
It was an uneventful and tense opening term, with just one goal between the two sides, but the game opened up in the second with United piling on four to lead 29-21 at the main break.
The four-goals-to-one third period proved to be the difference, swinging the lead over to the Magpies who never let it slip.
United coach Craig Dawe was complementary of his side’s strong effort, but noted the difficulty in trying to gel as a unit on short-notice.
“Once we find some consistency and continuity amongst the group, we will be a better side,” he said.
“Even though we had our chances during the game, Mallala were far more polished and structured than us and took their chances when it mattered – it’s what good sides do.
“I was really impressed with our defensive unit, and our tackle count, pressure and intensity was high.
“With a new coach, game plan and systems, it’s going to take time for the playing group to adapt.”
Aaron Beard provided clean and aggressive work at centre-bounces for the visitors, whereas for the home side it was cricket star Brian Montgomery who nabbed an equal game-high three goals.
Next week United travel to Bute for the latter’s first game as a member of the APFL, while Mallala will defend its home-ground against premiership favourites Two Wells.