Debut worth wait
Simon McEvoy
05May08
STAR signing Nicholas Waite made a triumphant debut with Mornington on Saturday.
He created early chances and showed the home crowd why he is so highly rated as Mornington stormed to an eye-popping 5-0 win over ladder leaders Berwick Kings.
Suddenly, Mornington has climbed to second spot on the Provisional League 2SE ladder.
In the opening minutes, Waite brought the ball down on his chest and lashed a shot just over the crossbar.
In the early stages Mornington looked dangerous from set pieces and solid at the back where Glen Tewierik marshalled the troops superbly.
Mornington deservedly took the lead midway through the first half when Tom Schneider was released down the left.
Alex Halikias was able to hold off his marker, turn and shoot from inside the box to produce an excellent goal.
Mornington took total control and the attacking trio of Daniel Waite, Tom Schneider and Alex Halikias entertained the crowd with some flowing football.
Just before half-time, Schneider grabbed a well deserved goal with a fantastic header following a good cross from Daniel Waite.
The second-half focus was on keeping a second consecutive clean sheet for the Seagulls, with Brian Skelly and Brett VanZenden keeping the Berwick strikers in check.
With John Watson outstanding in the defensive midfield role, and Matt Cameron and Tom Carmichael providing stern resistance out wide, Mornington never looked likely to concede.
When Michael Bailey and young gun Nathan Yole were introduced up front in the second half, the Seagulls started to take control again.
Halikias finished with two goals with singles to Yole, Bailey and Schneider.
Mornington's reserves also had a great 5-1 win, capping a fantastic day for the club.
