On the ball: Moama Echuca’s Sam Laming takes control of the ball in the midfield. Photo: Bransen Gibson
The Moama Echuca Border Raiders have claimed their first win of the season in stunning fashion after a thrilling 5-4 win over Strathfieldsaye Colts in the League Cup on Sunday afternoon.
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Trailing 4-3 with under five minutes left, a fantastic long-range strike from Michael Tomani brought the Raiders level just before stoppage time.
Then, with only seconds remaining on the clock, a spectacular free kick from Samuel Wanesiofa soared over the keeper and tucked perfectly under the crossbar to give Moama Echuca the most dramatic of victories.
Wanesiofa was phenomenal for the Raiders, scoring four of his side’s five goals, including the superb winner.
Border Raiders coach Jonathan Keele said after the game that it was fantastic to get their first win of the season.
“It’s fantastic. The team has worked so hard for this, so it’s great to see that effort pay off,” Keele said.
“You could see at full-time just how much it meant to the team. It’s moments like these that you coach for.
“Hopefully it gives us a boost now to go on and win a couple more this season.”
All smiles: The Moama Echuca Border Raiders team after claiming a drought-breaking win against Strathfieldsaye Colts. Photo: Bransen Gibson
The Raiders started out hot and put in their best first half of the season so far, controlling the game and dictating possession as they took a 3-1 lead into half-time.
But the half-time break favoured the Colts, with the home side quickly finding the back of the net.
Two goals in quick succession brought Strathfieldsaye level, before a shot from outside the box found the back of the net to give it the lead.
The Raiders looked consigned to defeat with 10 minutes to go, but the allure of their first win sparked a late resurgence that led to two goals in five minutes to snatch victory.
Adding extra meaning to the result, the win came against the Colts’ division one reserve side, a team in a higher grade than Moama Echuca.
The result is technically the Raiders’ second win of the season, after their cup opponents Shepparton Jaguars had to forfeit, but it is the first victory the team has played in.
Moama Echuca will return to league action this weekend when it takes on top side Swan Hill on Saturday.
