Bonnyrigg White Eagles proved too good for Manly United, winning 2-1 at home in a tightly fought round 12 contest on Saturday night.
From the kick off, the Eagles were quickly into their stride.
It came as no real surprise when the breakthrough arrived in the 13th minute. Alex Doyle played the perfect ball for Aaron Peterson to run on to and slot home to open the scoring for the home side.
Bonnyrigg had looked slicker and hungrier for the points during the opening 15 minutes and the pressure finally tolled.
The White Eagles were playing very controlled passing football, always probing for an opening without giving too much away at the back, forcing United to work hard for any scraps.
The first stanza was a fascinating half of football – high tempo, top skill in attack and defence.
It paved the way for a tremendous second period.
Bonnyrigg slowly began to go through the gears and pushed quicker and higher up the pitch.
It was Robbie Younis who finally added a second home goal when he put in by Tynan Diaz in the 77th minute, but it took two attempts to get the ball over the line.
Bonnyrigg conceded a goal in stoppage time but by then the three premiership points were safely in the bag for the home team.
“It was a great win for us as we are down to the bare bones,” Bonnyrigg coach Brian Brown said after the game.
“It was one of those hustle and bustle kind of games and neither side ever took control of it but fortunately our defenders did really well tonight and especially Adam Jenner who was playing for the first time in that position, so a lot of credit should go to him particularly for his first-half performance.’’
♦ ROUND 12 RESULTS:
Blacktown Spartans 2-5 Sutherland Sharks, at Blacktown Football Park;
Sydney United 58 FC 1-6 Blacktown City, at Sydney United Sports Centre;
APIA Leichhardt Tigers 4-3 Rockdale City Suns, at Lambert Park;
Parramatta FC 0-0 Marconi Stallions, at Melita Stadium;
South Coast Wolves 1-1 Sydney Olympic, at WIN Stadium;
