Marist Casuals shrugged off a long standing demon by beating Athletic Cosmos 2-1 in what became a superbly dominant performance on Saturday.
Without Ken Graham and Steve Maguire the Casuals brought in Geordie Steedman who made only his second appearance of the season.
It looked like going to script for the Casuals when Cosmos were given a penalty against the run of play for somewhat non-existent foul by Brendan Haughian. And understandably orange heads dropped as Cosmos confident passing game seemed to give them more confidence and they nearly went two up when striker Gavin Parsons shot over from six yards albeit coming from an offside position.
Cosmos were then undone by two injuries to key defenders, one popping an achilles that will see him sidelined for some time.
But this Casuals side is made of sterner stuff these days and the half time chitty chatty chat chat revolved around getting in Cosmos faces, passing and moving and making the most of the growing opportunities. Side-lined stand in manager Ken Graham pointed out in so uncertain terms that the Casuals had the ability to exploit Cosmos escalating frailties.
For large swathes of the second spell the Casuals increased their possession and spent time in the Cosmos half. And with twenty minutes remaining Ivan Gomez made the most of a defensive scramble to somehow put the ball home.
It was time to make a call. Hang on for a point or keep pushing for the three and risk losing everything. With fifteen minutes remaining Paul Maguire replaced Mich Manning and was immediately called on to take a right sided corner. From this Cameron Dale ghosted in front of the tiring Cosmos rear-guard and leapt high to glance the ball past the helpless Athletic keeper.
The Casuals fans were sent onto as state of delirium and from there on in it was a case of holding on. Or was it? A clever right wing attack initiated with a magnificent overhead pass from Cameron Dale saw Matt Roberts in on goal only for him to shoot over from close range.
Cosmos had one late chance with Buck Buchanan making a tidy save. Soon enough the youthful referee Robbertson blew his whistle to confirm a Casuals win. It may not have lifted them any higher in the table with Weekenders upsetting Hammers 1-0 – but it sure lifted spirits in the orange corner of the Marist changing room.
