South Armidale Scorpions coach Ruwan Cooper admits his side “did it the hard way” in their 4-3 win over Gunnedah United at the Armidale Sportsground on Saturday.
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“But I don’t really care how we win, as long as we win,” Cooper said.
The Scorpions had to come from behind twice on Saturday.
They found themselves trailing 1-nil early on after Gunnedah were awarded a penalty. South hit back almost immediately, but conceded another goal shortly before half time to be behind 2-1 at the break.
Whatever Cooper and his fellow coaches said to their troops at the half time break certainly worked.
South came out of the sheds firing and netted three quick goals to fly out to a 4-2 lead.
Gunnedah scored inside the final 10 minutes and tried desperately for an equaliser, but were denied by a stout South defence.
“We did well to hold them off at the end, they had everyone forward trying to get a goal,” Cooper said.
The Scorpion’s dressing shed was full with celebrating players and supporters following the landmark win.
“It was fantastic,” Cooper said.
“The feeling amongst everyone in the club was fantastic.”
Sterling Wylie was the star of the day. The in-form striker netted a hat-trick, to go with a goal to Jamie Wright.
South have no time to rest with a trip to face northern conference premiers Tamworth FC next up.
“They have been the benchmark of the competition for the past two years,” Cooper said.
“They are good all over the park.
“It will come down to the personal battles.”
The two sides only faced each other once this season and the match ended up in a nil-all draw.
South have no injuries at the right time of the season and have been the hottest team in the competition since the start of the second round.
“There is no excuses for us,” Cooper said.
“We haven’t lost in the second part of the year and hopefully we can keep that going.”
“The club is really excited for this weekend.”