Above: Clayton Magpie Dave White is seized by an opponent in pursuit. White booted two important goals during the Magpies 51point belting of Chelsea Heights on Saturday. By Glen Atwell
THE Clayton Magpies confirmed their status as the dark horses in the race for the Southern Football League Division One premiership with a 51-point thumping of Chelsea Heights.
The sides looked inseparable on paper, having conceded close to the same scores for and against during the home-and-away season.
But on the field the Magpies played a far superior brand of football, firming their chances of a grand final appearance.
Playing at Springvale Reserve, the Magpies opened up a 15-point lead at quarter-time and extending that lead at every change.
Both sides were inaccurate in front of the goals, but the Magpies kicked the goals when they counted.
The Demons had the wind in the third quarter and controlled the ball for the bulk of the term.
But the hapless Demons could not find the big sticks and kicked 1.8 for the quarter.
Magpies coach George Jones said a four-goal wind was blowing.
“But it was blowing straight down the ground, I doubt it had much of an effect on goal-kicking efforts,” he said.
Goals were gold in the low-scoring game and two each to Matt Gallagher and Dave White were as valuable as goals come in windy conditions.
Nick Bailey was inspirational for the Magpies and Andrew Ferguson kicked to targets up forward on the rebound.
Ladder leader East Brighton tackles Balwyn in the second semi-final this Saturday at Springvale Reserve, the loser destined to face a confident Magpie team on the charge towards the grand final.
Jones said Saturday’s result was very pleasing.
“We concentrated well, got to the ball first and went in hard.
“That’s how the game was won,” Jones said.
Jones said he expected a close contest between East Brighton and Balwyn this Saturday.
“Balwyn might just beat them, but who knows.
“I’ll be down there watching and so will most of the boys,” Jones said.
The Magpies came through Saturday’s win relatively unscathed and the weekend off will help alleviate niggling injuries.
“Victor Currie injured his hamstring, but we expect him to play in the preliminary final,” Jones said.
