Clinical United claim all three points
By Matt Nicoletti
Gungahlin United leapt into the Top Four on Saturday as a convincing second-half performance saw them record a 3-0 win over the Riverina Rhinos at Kaleen.
Gungahlin came into the match looking to bounce back from last week’s loss to Canberra Olympic, while the Rhinos were aiming to pick up some momentum ahead of a busy period of FFA Cup and league action.
Both sides struggled to break open the game for the first half hour, as possession changed hands often but with few chances created in a cagey affair.
Gungahlin created the first big chance of the match after 32 minutes, as a cross found Misko Naumoski alone in the area but he could only push his shot wide of the right-hand upright as the goal beckoned.
Just four minutes later Naumoski had another great chance as United were awarded a penalty, but again he pushed his shot wide as Mitchell Woods guessed the correct way in goals.
Rhinos had arguably their best chance of the game on the stroke of half-time as Sean Bremner whipped a cross into the box, but Roy Catanzariti’s effort was well saved down low by Jason Denham as the match remained goalless at the half.
The action began again almost immediately as the second half opened, as the hosts were awarded another penalty just seven minutes in. This time Naumoski tucked home the spot-kick into the bottom corner to give his side a 1-0 lead.
Rhinos struck the post shortly afterwards with a great chance but the rebound fell only to safety and United maintained their advantage.
Gungahlin made the most of the let-off in the 61st minute, as a looping corner found Jack Green unmarked at the back post and his header cannoned in off the underside of the crossbar.
With the hosts now holding a 2-0 lead and the majority of the play, Rhinos began to tire, and it showed with seven minutes to go as Frano Blazevic found himself in the right place to tuck home a rebound and seal the game after Woods saved an earlier shot.
Gungahlin ready themselves for midweek cup action against Monaro while Riverina await the details of their knockout clash with Tuggeranong.
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