Eagles IPL record still spotless

ALBION Park White Eagles maintained their perfect start to the 2008 Illawarra Premier League (IPL) season with a dramatic 2-1 win over Cringila Lions at Terry Reserve on Saturday.

The game seemed destined for a 1-all draw until Albion Park won a penalty late in stoppage time.

David Graovac converted the spot kick and was then sent off by referee Stephen Uitterlinden for an alleged gesture towards the Cringila supporters.

The ten-man White Eagles however held on for their fifth win in as many games this IPL season.

Albion Park dominated the opening stanza with Cringila ’keeper Adam Kumcevski called on repeatedly to save goal-bound efforts.

The White Eagles broke the deadlock when Jordon Lando capitalised on a poor back pass to score on 23minutes.

Cringila came out stronger in the second half, peppering Albion Park’s goal.

The Lions got their reward in the 70th minute when former White Eagle Cord Tolson scored the equaliser.

IPL newcomers Fernhill moved into equal second place with a 4-1 win over Tarrawanna at Harrigan Street.

Ben Price and Matt Timpano scored from set pieces before Tarrawanna pulled a goal back through Beau Cropper for a 2-1 scoreline at the break.

Tarrawanna dominated the second half but their forays into Fernhill’s penalty area were thwarted by poor finishing and fine goalkeeping by Kyle Zerner.

Fernhill finally killed off Tarra’s brave challenge with goals to Matthew Keep and Price late in the match.

Warilla Wanderers’ season went from bad to worse with a 7-nil drubbing against South Coast United at Sir Ian McLennan Park.

Michael Santalab scored the first of his personal haul of four goals in the second minute but the plucky Wanderers kept the deficit to 1-nil at halftime.

Santalab scored his second five minutes into the second half, opening the floodgates for the hosts.

The United captain-coach added two more and substitute Vince Milicevic a second-half hat trick to complete the scoring.

A William Mobbs goal five minutes from time allowed Dapto to escape from Hume Oval with a 1-all draw against Picton Rangers.

Defending IPL champions Dandaloo and Bulli had a scoreless draw at Dandaloo Sports Ground, as did Coniston Lions and Wollongong United at JJ Kelly Park.