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| Long Tran was one of 14 heroes for Underground in their 1-0 win. |
A dominant first half followed by a gritty second paved the way for Underground's first win in the Major League, upsetting former Premier League outfit BCC Grundies 1-0 in poor conditions on Saturday.
Rain fell for the majority of the afternoon but it failed to halt the newly-promoted side's spirit as an Andrew Dunn goal gave the side some just rewards for their continual pressure in the opening 45 minutes.
The only sour notes were two injuries in the second half that looked to have tightened Underground's stocks further, but Liam Badger - who was later sent to hospital with a concussion - and Ben Cullen - a recipient of a nasty tackle - were able to enjoy the victory with their teammates at full time.
The result - with double points seeing them move up the ladder to fifth in the seven-team league after just one match - was made all the significant by a lack of substitutes. Only three reserves were on the sideline as captain Ryan Hodgson proved a masterstroke in the timing of his players.
What followed was a synergetic performance from a side consisting not of 14 players, but of a team. A team that has found its strengths and has strung together an eight-game unbeaten streak dating back to the final match of the 2011 season.
Dunn was once again superb throughout the midfield, dictating play while pushing men forward to provide space and opportunities and was duly rewarded with yet another goal to add to an impressive tally this season.
Halftime saw both sides huddle for comfort in the wintry weather, but the atmosphere in Underground's camp would have been considerably warmer given their 1-0 lead at the break.
They didn't budge from there, however, and weathered the wintry storm and a deluge of pressure from their opponents, who in the end couldn't find a winner.
Until his head knock from a free kick, Badger was sublime - ensuring defensively the work was done to force long, misdirected shots at goal, where Andy Speir was once again superb.
All 14 players showcased the passion and desire to prove themselves in the second division, and they were ultimately rewarded with 12 precious competition points, seeing them move into fifth in the seven-team competition.
With no action until Week 3, Hodgson's men will have to ensure they're on task and focussed for their next match, a tough fixture against Stallion - a side they can overtake with a win.
But for now victory is the only thing on the minds of the orange-and-blacks - and so it should be - as defender Matiu Workman was farewelled in the best possible way.
In other results, West City humiliated strugglers Cavaliers 12-0, while a mid-table slog ended in a goalless draw between Stallion and Knights FC.
Scorers:
Underground FC: 1
Goal: Dunn
BCC Grundies: 0
HT 1-0.
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