By Tara Murray
Roxburgh Park has breathed life into its Essendon District Football League division 1 season, with an upset win against St Albans.
Without a win in the first part of the season, the Magpies sit last and staring down relegation as they sit three games behind three other sides heading into the weekend’s matches.
On Saturday, the Magpies showed that they can’t be discounted as they accounted for St Albans.
Magpies coach Ross Terranova said it was nice to finally get four points on the board.
“It was a good day for the club,” he said.
“Every game is important. We’ve been playing some good footy the last couple of weeks and not finishing it off.
“It’s just a reward for effort and hopefully we’ll build some momentum for the rest of the year.”
Terranova said the message coming off the week off was to try and come out and have a strong start.
Kicking with the wind in the first quarter they were able to do that and kick eight first quarter goals.
The Saints were never able to bridge the margin as the Magpies were able to hold steady for a 16.13 (109)-10.10 (70) win.
“We made a point to get first hand on the ball,” he said. “Get it into the forwards and kicking eight goals set us up.
“We were able to hold a five to six goal lead at half time. The second quarter was pivotal for the game.
“It was a five goal breeze and we stopped them from kicking a barrage.”
Terranova said the pleasing thing was keeping the foot on the pedal for four quarters, which is a good sign of the development of the side.
Teronne Potter kicked six goals for the Magpies in a best on ground performance. He also spent time at half back.
Cooper McPharlane kicked straight and kicked five goals of his own.
Jack Elliott in the ruck was also strong, along with the defence led by Dylan Exposto, Brodie Naggs and Jamie Grant.
“I thought there were 22 winners on the day,” Terranova said.
The Magpies now sit two games behind Tullamarine and Craigieburn in the relegation fight.
Terranova said there were no easy games in this competition.
“I feel like it’s 15 to 20 per cent tighter this season,” he said. “Any team on their day can win a game of footy.
“You have to be switched on regardless of who you are playing. It’s about finishing off the work and getting the job done which we did this week.
“It’s certainly a positive step.”
The Magpies face Taylors Lakes this Saturday.
Terranova said they want to get one back against the Lions who won in round one convincingly.
In other results, Craigieburn lost to Avondale Heights, 10.9 (69)-5.7 (7)., while Tullamarine lost 21.12 (138)-15.6 (96).
