By Tom Williamson, Williamstown Media
On a beautiful Saturday, both Williamstown and Southport were set for a thrilling clash. Williamstown went into the game with a nearly identical lineup to last week, but with the long-awaited return of Tom Mundy in the forward line.
In the first quarter, Williamstown and Southport traded blows in an even contest. Brodie McLaughlin got the festivities started for Williamstown, later slotting a second goal for the quarter.
Some late-quarter class from Hugo Hall-Kahan and Heath Ollington ensured the visitors didn’t run away with a lead heading into the break, with both teams tied on 4.4 (28).
McLaughlin’s hot start only got hotter as he delivered back-to-back goals for Williamstown within the first three minutes of the second quarter. McLaughlin’s fourth goal showcased some handy soccer skills, extending the lead for the Gulls.
The contest was a real back-and-forth, with both teams having their moments and taking advantage. However, not much separated the teams at halftime, with Williamstown holding onto the slimmest of leads, a one-point advantage.
Despite having fewer inside 50s (23 to 30), the Gulls made their entries count, capitalising on their opportunities with great reward.
Williamstown’s effectiveness was partly credited to a higher tackle count, with Williamstown leading the way both inside forward 50 and defensive 50. Gatsby (6) and Mundy (4) set the tone, while Jack Greiser was at his best, topping the disposal count for the Gulls with 21 at the half.
In the third quarter, it was clear that Southport would increase their pressure, and we saw that reflected in their tackle count and ability to apply scoreboard pressure.
McLaughlin continued his goal-a-term trend, putting his fifth goal on the board. Some direct, fast ball movement set up Petric for his first goal of the game.
Southport kicked 4 goals to Williamstown’s 2, giving them a lead going into the last quarter and it grew to 27 points after their two early fourth-quarter goals.
However, that wasn’t enough to deter the Gulls from mounting a comeback. They chipped away at the margin with some accurate set shots, narrowing the deficit to just 8 points.
The Sharks responded with two goals at the 20-minute mark of the quarter, pushing the lead to 21 points, making it seem likely they would seal the win.
Enter Tom Mundy.
Mundy snapped a 45-meter bomb to give the Gulls hope. Jack Brown then took his chance, kicking a goal on the run to close the gap even further.
Once again, Mundy stood up, putting through his third goal and reducing the margin to under a goal.
Fast forward six long and nail-biting minutes, and Nathan Colenso took his chance in front of the stands, snapping a goal to erupt the crowd and put the Gulls ahead for the first time since the second quarter.
Fortunately, that was enough to secure the victory, as Williamstown held off Southport for the remaining minutes, sealing their second win of the season.
And what a win it was.
Williamstown will carry this momentum into a well-deserved bye, hoping to reset and establish a winning streak when they take on the Bulldogs at DSV Stadium on May 17th.
Final Score:
WILLIAMSTOWN 4.4 | 7.8 | 9.9 | 16.12 (108)
SOUTHPORT 4.4 | 7.7 | 11.12 | 15.15 (105)
Best Players: Greiser, McLaughlin, Mundy, Petric, Colenso, Collier-Dawkins
Goal Kickers: McLaughlin (5), Mundy (3), Colenso (2), Petric (2), Brown, Gollan, Hall-Kahan, Ollington
