The Bloods claimed a one-point triumph in controversial circumstances at Mortlake’s D.C.  Farran Oval on Saturday to level their ledger at two wins and two losses after four rounds.

Cobden led by five points until Terang Mortlake assistant coach Chris Bant was awarded a free kick 30 metres out from goal with about 90 seconds left in the match. He converted the set shot to give his side an 11.5 (71) to 10.10 (70) victory.

“It’s not one of those games we are walking away saying there were lots of positives,” Irving said. “The good thing is we were able to win under duress.”

The Bloods had two players sent from the field in the second quarter and Cobden one before injuries later reduced Terang Mortlake’s bench to just one player for the final 20 minutes. Irving said the key to his side’s victory was forward Sam Moloney, who finished with seven goals. He was able to beat several opponents after being isolated in the goal square.

He said the Bloods’ 16 scoring shots had been generated from a comparatively low number of inside forward 50m entries.

The Bloods will be without midfielder Jordan Payne for Saturday’s trip to Portland after he suffered a broken thumb while Sam McLean, who also failed to finish the game, is expected to play.

Cobden coach Wayne Robertson was proud of his young side’s performance but lamented its inaccuracy in front of goal.

“The second quarter hurt us,” Robertson said.

“We kicked 2.5. If we kicked 5.2, decisions don’t come into it.

“In games like this if you are on the good side of the result you think you are lucky to win and when you are on the bad side of it, you say you’re unlucky.

“Our endeavour and effort was really good.”

He said the Bombers were four points up and had a shot to ice the game but missed.

“We had our chances to go 10 points up. We had more scoring shots, that was the disappointing thing. You can apply all the pressure you want around the ground but you have to get the scoreboard pressure.

“We showed really good signs. I said to the boys after the game, ‘we can’t be happy getting close, be proud of your efforts but don’t be satisfied’.”

The Bombers were without Angus Uwland for the second half of the match after suffering a corked thigh.