Late goals by Poplar Bluff doom Bulldogs 2-1

sports@standard-democrat.com

SIKESTON -- With an early second half goal from senior Audie Hay, the Sikeston Bulldogs were in prime position Thursday to hand visiting Poplar Bluff its first district loss of the season.

Jeffry Hardin had other plans, however, as the Mules' sophomore scored twice in the final 20 minutes to hand Sikeston its second straight loss, 2-1.

"We controlled most of the game," Bulldogs' head coach Gabe Dement said. "The bottom line is after we scored that first goal Poplar Bluff started playing a little harder and had a little fire in them. Jeffry, if you don't stay with him he's going to score a goal on you. He's just that type of kid. He's a solid player and took it to us and scored a couple nice goals."

Both teams had plenty of opportunities in the first 40 minutes of the contest, but entered the half scoreless. Just four minutes into the second half Hay was able to shift momentum in Sikeston's direction.

Hay's kick from the right side of a crowded box was high and found the left goal post before banking into the net at the 36:02 mark.

Poplar Bluff senior Jonathan Hardin and Sikeston senior Audie Hay battle for control of the ball Thursday at the Sikeston Sports Complex. (Brent Shipman photo)

Poplar Bluff senior Jonathan Hardin and Sikeston senior Audie Hay battle for control of the ball Thursday at the Sikeston Sports Complex. (Brent Shipman photo)

Sikeston protected its newfound lead for almost 20 minutes until only 18:26 remained on the clock.

That's when Hardin broke up the shutout to even things up 1-1.

"Hardin took it from down in the flag and beat two defenders on the line," Mules' head coach Steven Edwards said. "The goalie thought he must be making a cross or something and he just got a good shot in the back of the net."

Poplar Bluff nearly took the lead with 6:30 to play when a free kick just outside the box was off the mark by just a few feet and flew over the crossbar.

Less than two minutes later when the game look destined for overtime, Hardin capped his night with his second goal.

With 3:57 to play, Hardin hit a hard shot from the right side of box that got past a diving Sikeston keeper Max Ault low and found the right corner of the net.

"The second half we made two adjustments," Edwards said. "We came out and I felt the boys responded well. Jeffery Hardin had a couple of great goals. The team got him the ball up top and it was just a really good, hard-fought game."

The win moves the Mules to 3-5 on the year and 2-0 in Class 3, District 1play while Sikeston falls back below the .500 mark to 5-6 overall and 2-1 in district play.

The Bulldogs will look to get back on track next week when they play Jackson and Anna Jonesboro, Ill., on the road Tuesday and Thursday respectively.

"We have two away games next week and then we have a tournament in Springfield," Dement said. "We have a gauntlet. There's no cupcakes on our schedule. It's tough and hopefully that prepares us for districts."