Playing for pride, United turn it on

19 Jul 10 @ 04:11pm by Andrew Prentice


A FLAWLESS performance from Manly United’s back four was the catalyst behind their upset win on Saturday night at Marconi Stadium.

With only pride up for grabs, late efforts from Robbie Cattanach and David Dodd rubber-stamped a performance well overdue.

United coach Midgley was elated with the 90 minutes dished up from his squad.

“It was easily the best we have played this year, it was great to see,” he said.

“From the outset the lads were hungry, they were up for it, from goalkeeper (Brad Swancott) through to the boys on the bench.

“Everyone put in a massive shift.”

Midgley went onto single out central defender Pascal Julliard for praise.

“I thought that Pakky (Julliard) was awesome, he didn’t miss a beat,” he said.

“Marconi have some lively players, so the boys knew they had a job to do and they all stood up.”

His opposite Lee Sterrey wasn’t as upbeat.

“Our ball movement and control of the play was poor in both halves,” he said.

“We try and keep the ball whenever we play, that approach has worked well for us all year. We let in two bad goals and didn’t really test (Brad) Swancott much.

“Thankfully we have a few weeks to rectify things before the semi-finals.”

Manly have their final home game of the season on Sunday against Sutherland and Midgley will be looking for a repeat performance.

“A few weeks ago we sat down as a squad and mapped out what we felt we could achieve,” he said.

“The first priority was avoiding relegation which was obviously vital.

“I am really happy with how we have responded, it hasn’t been a season to remember.

“Thankfully we are now on a bit of a roll and playing the style of soccer everyone knows we are capable of.

“We still have two games to go, six points is the goal.”
http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/playing-for-pride-united-turn-it-on/