SAM Modderno slammed in three goals as Taree Wildcats recorded their first victory of the Coastal Premier League football season when beating Coffs Tigers 4-2 in the clash at Omaru Park.
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"They've been working towards this for a couple of weeks now,'' an ecstatic coach Ben Sedlen said.
"And they played really well. We should have won by a bit more.''
Sedlen said a pleasing aspect was the fact the Wildcats trailed 1-0 early in the contest. The game was played in heavy rain which made the going difficult.
"We were dominating but they got a goal on us,'' he said.
Sedlen pointed out that in other games this would have rocked the players' confidence. However, they showed more resolve on this occasion.
The Wildcats replied with four goals - three to Modderno - to take a commanding 4-1 lead. Coffs pulled one back late in the game, but the Wildcats were never really threatened.
Sedlen said Modderno and Cassidy Veitch were both outstanding in a great team effort by the Wildcats.
"Jackson Witt had his best game in about five years,'' he added.
However, Sedlen said the Wildcats now have to build on the success.
"We're over that mental hurdle of getting a win. Now we can look to improve our position on the ladder,'' he said.
The Wildcats are last but are now just two points adrift of Sawtell.
They head to Port Macquarie on Saturday to play the inconsistent Port Saints and Sedlen said notching successive victories is certainly achievable.
