Tuggeranong end winning drought with stunning victory against Belconnen

Coach Mitch Stevens hailed their thrilling 3-0 thrashing of the Belconnen Blue Devils as their 'best performance of the year' after a disappointing start to the season.

Tuggeranong arrived with a plan and a point to prove at Hawker Football Centre after suffering three straight losses.

It took just four minutes for star striker Ihegie to make two attempts at goal. While the first was called offside and the second narrowly missed, it was enough for Tuggeranong to take control of the must-win clash.

With the score locked nil-all at halftime, Tuggeranong refused to release the break pedal and pushed the injury-hidden Belconnen right until the final whistle.

"We really stepped up high and put that pressure on the opposition [right up] to the 90th minute," Stevens said.

"If you keep that style and pressure up then eventually something has to give.

"I was thankful that it came, it would have been heartbreaking not to get a result today after that performance."

Ihegie was first to put points on the board moments after Tuggeranong goalie Jakeb Wiseman copped a sneaky shove to the back. A long throw from the sideline, a flick and a slight touch to Ihegie's foot had the ball rolling over the line to complete their comeback.

But rising star Hamidullah Pojohishgar proved the difference in the physical encounter as he tore down Belconnen's persistent attack.

"Hamid was absolutely brilliant in the midfield," Stevens said.

"It's not his natural role as a central midfielder but his defense work was great. He was really, really special.

"It's only his first season of first grade but I thought his all-round game was seriously something to be marked down."

The crucial victory has Stevens eyeing the chance to leapfrog Woden-Weston next week. Rey Castro's side sit sixth on the ladder ahead of tomorrow clash with Canberra Olympic.

"When you win you want to play again. This is the start now, we've got to get going," Stevens said.

"Anyone who watched the game today will say that was a really impressive performance."

Belconnen assistant coach Daniel Macor said the Blue Devils were dejected after the loss but proud of their younger players who shone throughout the physical contest.

"We've had a really good last three weeks but at the end of the day set pieces cost us," Macor said.

"It seems to be our Achilles heel at the moment, but credit to Tuggeranong, they were hungrier than us today. They needed the win and they got it in the end.

"What came out of it was that a lot of young boys played and I thought they were outstanding when they came on."

AT A GLANCE

NPL ROUND SEVEN

Tuggeranong United 3 (Ihegie 2, Walsh 1) bt Belconnen United 0

Gungahlin United 5 bt Riverina Rhinos 1