It was a tale of two keepers when the Dunsborough Towners clashed with Australind in an entertaining Premier league encounter at the Dunsborough Playing Fields on Sunday.
It was the quality of the goalkeeping of Chris Blackburn (Dunsborough), the Shelford Construction man of the match, and Tom Simpson (Australind) that restricted the score to 2-1 in favour of Australind that prevented a blow-out in the final scoreline.
Once again, however, it was the Towners who were left to rue the day following their inability to put Australind to the sword such was the dominance they exerted from the kick-off.
It is clear that Dunsborough are emerging from a struggling unit into a competitive force with the introduction of defenders Stuart Turner, Evan Blair, midfielder Scott Duncan in addition to Blackburn taking on the responsibility of goalkeeper.
Australind’s slim chances of snaring the league championship looked in danger for long periods with Simpson’s goalkeeping skills, centre back calmness of Gareth Harker and the midfield control of Chris Norminton keeping them in the game.
It was Blacburn’s turn in the last 15 minutes to emulate Simpson’s example to prevent an Australind breakthrough.
But he could nothing to prevent an unmarked Latham Anderson finishing off a deadly sweeping counter attack with a fierce ground shot in the 40th minute.
The second half was more of the same with Dunsborough enjoying a large slice of territorial advantage only to continue to waste chances some being harder to miss than score.
Fortunes appeared to turn in the 70th minute when Tim Pidgeon forced a perfect cross to the far post from Duncan over the line for an equaliser.
Within four minutes Dunsborough’s hopes faded with Rhys Herring hammering home from close range a rebound following a brilliant save by Blackburn.
The Towners stormed forward in the closing minutes to retrieve the situation only to waste two glorious chances to earn a well deserved draw.
It was not all gloom on the day with the Towners’ reserves recording a healthy 4-1 win over Australind.
What was encouraging were the performances of the youngsters who are starting to have an impact on the club’s fortunes with Scott Mills and David Norriss adding to the goals cored by Lee Collins and David Wright.
Dunsborough Bakery Player of the season award. Votes: Chris Blackburn 3, Tim Pidgeon 2, Evan Blair 1.
Reserves. Dunsborough Tavern Player of the season award. Votes: Dave Norris 3, Lee Collins 2, Roy Arts 1.
