Just when you thought Barnstoneworth United FC was running out of time to make an impression in this year's Western Premier League's title race, the red and whites have exploded back to winning ways, netting five goals in a shutout victory over Panorama FC at Jack Brabham Oval.
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Coming into the game, Barnies had secured just the three points in the first five games and were yet to taste victory.
But a double from Dylan Hallz, as well as goals from Alex Elliott, Jared Kerr and coach Josh Ward saw them pummel the Goats 5-0.
Ward said they knew this kind of performance was in them all along.
"We've never given up hope. It's only six rounds into an 18 round season so we didn't write ourselves off," he said.
"We've been there or thereabouts in every game and I think the boys were just up for it on the weekend and everything just clicked.
"I've been saying all year that goals change games and that's what happened on the weekend."
The first win of the season saw Barnies leap up to fifth in the standings, just two points off Parkes in fourth. But the three points means more to Ward than just a rise on the ladder.
"Everyone was buzzing about it. We've been really close every game, like we haven't been flogged or anything like that," he said.
"It's just desserts for all the work we've been putting in. We've been training two times a week and putting in the effort and really earned it."
There were a few players in particular who Ward highlighted as a main reason for the dominant display.
"Pretty much everyone did their job but Kenny McCall, that's that best I've seen him play," the coach added.
"He and Grant Koch really controlled the midfield and didn't let Panorama play out from the back too often.
"When we win the ball that high up the park, we don't have to build from the back."
Having finally got the monkey off its back, Barnies will now travel to Mudgee who are yet to earn a single point all season.
"Beating Pano 5-0 means nothing if we don't go and get a result in Mudgee on Saturday night," Ward finished.
"If we can build a few wins together we'll see where we end up at the end of the season."
Cross-town rivals Waratah FC had the bye this round and now sit second.
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