Warren Central’s Charlie Mullen (15) and Vicksburg’s Eric Holland fight for a loose ball during Friday’s game at Memorial Stadium. Mullen scored the only goal in the Vikings’ 1-0 win. (Jon GiffinThe Vicksburg Post)

[12/18/04]Charlie Mullen’s first shot was a 40-yard prayer that came two inches from being answered. His next one was much closer, and the results a lot better.

Mullen scored on a rocket from the top of the goal box with about 15 minutes to play, and Warren Central (7-4) survived a furious charge by Vicksburg over the final stretch to claim a 1-0 win Friday at Memorial Stadium.

“We played very well tonight. I think we finally put together and at the right time, playing your crosstown rival who is playing very well this year we finally put a full game in,” WC coach Jay Harrison said. “Both teams, as far as their play, it was back and forth. There weren’t any real big chances.”

The game didn’t count toward the division standings, but it was still a tough one to take for Vicksburg (6-7). After starting the season 6-3 and finding their way into the top 10 of the Clarion-Ledger soccer poll, the Gators have now lost four straight. Three of the losses have come against teams ranked in the top six.

“I think a lot of what you saw tonight, the not finishing, was what hurt us against those other teams,” VHS coach Jason Bennett said. “Overall, we’re playing fine. We just played some tough teams, and this game tonight is always a coin flip. It can go either way.”

Friday’s game was a defensive battle most of the way. VHS outshot WC 7-3 in the first half, but neither team seriously challenged the other’s keeper.

Finally, midway through the second half, things heated up. Mullen lined up for a direct kick near midfield and caught the Gators’ defense out of position. He sent the ball toward the goal, where it struck the crossbar.

When Mullen got the ball again three minutes later, the Gators were in better position but it didn’t matter.

A pass dropped over the top of the VHS defense to Mullen, who was just inside the goal box. He gathered it in, turned, and launched a hard shot into the back of the net to put the Vikings ahead 1-0.

“I was trying to volley it, and it was just a nice shot,” Mullen said.

Now facing defeat rather than a tie, Vicksburg rallied and controlled the last 15 minutes of the game. The Gators had three scoring chances down the stretch, but misfired on all three.

The best chance was a direct kick from the right side with about two minutes to play. Cameron Curtis sent the ball wide of the net, however, and WC gained possession.

(G) WC 0, VHS 0

The holiday music playing over the speakers during pregame warmups and the red and green uniforms of Warren Central and Vicksburg provided a festive setting for a rare Friday matinee.

Once the game started, however, neither team was in a very giving mood.

Vicksburg dominated the first half, WC controlled the second, and neither was able to penetrate the other’s defense for a goal as they played to a scoreless tie.

Vicksburg (5-7-2) outshot the Lady Vikes 9-1 in the first half, and didn’t allow the one WC shot until only five minutes remained. The Missy Gators sent several shots either weakly onto the net or over it, though. WC keeper Emily Coker only had to make four saves, none of them challenging.

As much as VHS dominated the first, WC (9-4-2) controlled the second. It outshot the Missy Gators 7-5 and came the closest of either team to putting a shot in the net.

Midway through, Mary Clare Scurria had a direct kick from about 30 yards out on the right side. It looked for a moment as if it had gone in, but actually landed on the back of the net.

(G) St. Al 3, Crystal Springs 0

Andrea Harrison scored two goals and Erin Sigh added a tally as the Lady Flashes improved to 1-1 in Division 5-1A-2A-3A and 5-5 overall.

Haley Davis had an assist in the win, but was taken to the hospital after hitting her head on the ground.

(B) St. Al 9, Crystal Springs 1

Bern Ebersole had two goals and seven other players scored one each as St. Aloysius routed Crystal Springs.