Nathan Hutchinson
BEREA — As shot after shot after shot sailed high or wide or clanked off the crossbar, the frustration continued to build for Madison Central coach Jeremiah Duerson.
“That’s been our nemesis all year,” he said. “We can’t put the ball in the ball of the net.”
The Indians would eventually find the back of net more than enough times to pick up an important district victory over Madison Southern Thursday in Berea.
Coy Taylor scored twice and Gordo Horn and Stephen Willoughby added goals as Central stretched its unbeaten streak to five games with a 5-0 win. The Indians (5-5-1) led just 1-0 with just more than 13 minutes remaining despite limiting the Eagles to very few scoring chances.
“Once we get in a rhythm they come alive,” Duerson said. “I guess the nerves fall out a little bit.”
Taylor put the Indians on top just 3:01 into the game when he streaked up the right side and ripped a shot into the top right-hand corner of the net.
But, much like the first half of Monday’s 7-1 win over Estill County in Richmond, Central had plenty of opportunities to add onto that lead and didn’t.
Vince Clay missed twice high and Horn wasn’t able to convert on a free kick late in the half.
Taylor added his second goal with 13:07 left off an assist from Grant McIntosh — and that score finally got the Central offense going. Willoughby scored on a header with 9:50 left off a nice pass from Clay and Horn converted a penalty kick with 6:08 left.
Sophomore Chris Browder added the final goal with 48 seconds left.
Southern (1-6-2) has not won since a season-opening victory over South Laurel. Still, the Indians weren’t able to pull away until late against a team dominated by underclassmen.
Central finished with 33 shots, 12 of which were on goal. Southern had just seven shots and Indian goalie Jarred Isaacs did not have to make a save.
David Enge had the best scoring chance for the Eagles. With 10:40 left in the first half he pushed a free kick from the top of the box wide right.
“Lyle (Bailey’s) kids always play hard,” Duerson said. “Sometimes I wish my guys played that hard.”
Central is set to return to action Saturday at home against Berea Community. Southern will next take on Mercer County Monday at home.
