Southern bags first victory

Southern United’s Danny Furlong (left) is challenged by Tasman United’s Daniel Allan during their National Premiership match at Peter Johnstone Park at Mosgiel yesterday. Photo: Gregor Richardson.

Southern United coach Paul O’Reilly says his side will not rest on its laurels and is aiming to move up the ladder.

The side bagged its first win of the season and for more a year when it beat Tasman United 3-1 at Peter Johnstone Park on Saturday.

It is 384 days since Southern United has taken three points but it fully deserved its victory on Saturday, sparking its attack in the second half.

The match was goalless at halftime but Southern United was more lively after the break.

It went out to 2-0 and though there was some nerves when the visitor got a goal back, Southern United killed the game off with a decisive third goal with 20 minutes left.

O’Reilly was happy with the win but said it was the least the side deserved after working hard in the previous eight games for little reward.

"We have had positives right through. At times we have put through some really good performances but sometimes we just have not been clinical enough and been sloppy at the back," he said.

"Just the way today we just put away our chances and we did not give away any sloppy stuff. It’s not a magic formula sometimes. Just take your chances that come along and make sure you do not concede stuff at the other end."

O’Reilly said the side was working hard and it was good to get the reward.

"The lads have been phenomenal right through the whole block of games and they have worked their socks off ... We are doing five sessions a week. Some people questioned what we are doing. But five sessions a week when you’re not getting paid is a massive commitment."

He questioned criticism that bringing in Irish players was a bad move.

"The Irish lads have added real quality to the group. It is not about the Irish lads and the locals. It is a squad of players and they are all working ... and they deserved the rewards they got today.

"It is a good way to finish. But it is not the be-all and end-all. We still have lots to give. I think we can pick up a few more points in the second half of the year."

The match was tight in the first half with few clear-cut chances. But a couple of minutes into the second half, forward Eric Molloy was hauled down by Tasman defender Daniel Allan.

It was right on the edge of the box and after initially looking like awarding a free kick, referee Avnit Maharaj ruled a penalty.

Danny Furlong stepped up for Southern United and sent goalkeeper Coey Turipa the wrong way.

About 10 minutes later, Andy Mulligan got a nice through ball from Molloy and with Turipa approaching, slotted the ball past him and into the net.

Tasman came back and lively substitute Tinashe Marowa nipped in to tuck the ball past Southern United keeper Lima Little.

But three minutes later Mulligan found space and though Turipa parried the shot, Mulligan knocked the rebound into the net.

Best for the home team were Mulligan and midfielder Molloy, while Ross Howard put in some nice crosses from the right.

Former Phoenix striker Paul Ifill showed his class, starting on the left side of defence before moving further forward when his team went behind.