CONTROL: Waratahs striker Hugo Tag protects the ball from a Westside defender during Saturday’s match at Dubbo.
ORANGE Waratahs remain undefeated through four rounds of the 2012 Western Premier League first grade competition after beating last year’s runners-up Westside Panthers 3-1 on Sunday.
Playing at Lady Cutler Oval, Waratahs scored first early in the contest through the boot of Scott Brakenridge.
Starting in his first game in 2012, Brakenridge capitalised on a nice cross from striker Hugo Tag to give Waratahs an early 1-0 lead.
Waratahs maintained their 1-0 advantage at half-time.
But Westside levelled the scores soon after the break.
It didn’t take long for Waratahs to hit back, though.
Adam Kelly scored a classy goal after running an overlap before fresh legs brought the final goal of the match, with Sean Brocklesby linking with Kiel Sinclair to find the back of the net and secure the three points.
Waratahs coach Pat Allen said he was pleased his side was able to come away from a Dubbo road trip with the win.
But he admitted there was still plenty of work to be done.
“In parts we probably played very well but in others we let them back into it,” Allen said.
“But certainly everyone stepped it up. We finished the stronger of the two which is pleasing and our defence as a whole worked very well.”
Allen praised the work of his backline, with Adam Kelly receiving the players’ player award on Sunday.
“I’m pretty happy with the way we played in general,” Allen said.
“I think everyone played their part well.”
In the competition’s other match defending premiers Dubbo FC snuck home against a dogged Workies outfit 4-3 in Lithgow.
No football will be played next weekend with competition in a general bye period thanks to the Western Youth League competition.
Waratahs’ next match is a big one.
They meet Dubbo FC at Waratah Sportsground in a fortnight.
“That’ll certainly let us know where we stand,” Allen said.
“Dubbo had a narrow win over Lithgow but I expected that. Lithgow are extremely strong at home. Dubbo will be up for the match and we’ll have to be too.”