Three goals from Cowra striker Toby Baker wasn’t enough for his side on Sunday, losing 4-3 to Abercrombie FC in the Bathurst and District Football Association top grade season opener.
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Played at Edgell Park, Cowra led on two different occasions throughout the 90 minutes but defence proved a concern for coach Adam Gambrill, conceding two goals in each stanza.
Overall, though, Gambrill was upbeat about Cowra’s first appearance back in the premier league of Bathurst football.
“You can’t expect to let in three or four goals in at home and win the match,” Adam Gambrill said.
“The way we played in the first 45 minutes was good enough to win it.
“I was very happy with the effort, we weren’t lacking in ability or competitiveness. A few simple things we need to work on.
“Just looking at the way we stuck to our plan and imposed ourselves on them was really impressive.”
Cowra started strong, scoring the game’s opening goal in the 8th minute but it was cancelled out soon after when the hosts conceded a corner and Abercrombie took advantage hitting back.
Ten minutes out from the break, the visitors converted a free-kick from just outside the box and took a one-goal lead into the second half.
Again, Cowra began the stronger from the restart and Baker knocked in two goals within 25 minutes of the second half to give Cowra a 3-2 lead.
Abercrombie made it all-square at the 75th minute mark before finding a winner with just two minutes remaining on the clock.
Gambrill couldn’t fault any of his players, and identified the work of Perry Wiegold and Mick Lazarou in the mid-field and Matt Reed and Justin Ellice at the back as outstanding.
“Toby Baker is always really good but the service from Perry Wiegold and Mick Lazarou from the mid-field was a stand out,” Gambrill said.
“Matt Reed and Justin Ellice contributed some really good service from the defence as well.
“They are probably the four that stand out but there was no one I was disappointed with.
“Definitely good signs, Abercrombie is a well drilled side, they’re fit and quick, they won the competition a couple of years ago.
“Their goals were easily preventable, it wasn’t like they sliced up the mid-field.
“I think a draw would have been a fair result.”
Cowra plays another home match this weekend against Mudgee, beginning at 3pm.
Gambrill hopes to see his side bounce back.
“Being another home game puts an emphasis on winning.
“It gives a chance to restart and get the season off with a win.”