MATCH OF THE ROUND
Woongarrah 0 – Kanwal 5
The local derby between Woongarrah and Kanwal was the WPL Round 1 Match of the Round. With the pressure of the local derby and knowing that the opposition was keen to gain the three points from the fixture, it was imperative that Wildcats had a positive start to the game.
Unfortunately for them, they did not get off to the start that Coach Dave Hurley wanted. Woongarrah looked to put early pressure on Kanwal’s back three but unfortunately conceded two goals in the first half. Woongarrah made chances of their own but were unable to convert. Kanwal’s Maddi Dunlop scored the opener with a screamer from the back stick. Hayls Ballard scored the game’s second match as Kanwal led 2-0 at half time.
The second half commenced at a much faster pace with Kanwal not taking long to get their third goal. Woongarrah continued to press in the midfield to try and convert one of their few chances, however, luck was not on their side in this match, as the Wildcats girls could not find the back of the net when presented with chances. Woongarrah kept coming close and with just minutes remaining on the clock, once again they failed to gain at least one goal from the fixture after multiple chances inside Kanwal’s 18-yard box. Courtney Smith got herself on Kanwal’s scoresheet as well, Woongarrah were very unlucky to concede 2 own goals.
Kanwal would be too much for Woongarrah in the derby on this day as they walked away with all 3 points and a 5-0 win.
“We felt that the opening match of the season went well. While the 6 points for club championship was a positive start for us, there’s plenty to take from the opener and add to the training ground. Woongarrah brought a lot of energy, we will need to be better again for Southern next week,” said Kanwal coach Hayls Ballard.
East Gosford 1 – Southern & Ettalong 0
The Rams looked like they would repeat the result from just a few weeks ago when they met Southern in the Mate Association Cup and came out victorious 8-0 after scoring within the first 7 minutes of the game thanks to great build-up play and a clever ball from Annika Hansen to fellow striker Erin Heine who finished the play with a composed finish.
Despite the Rams going 1-0 up early, Southern managed to frustrate the Rams all game as they were a much better-organised side despite being down. East Gosford coach Jorge Chavez labelling his side as “flat all game and struggled to get into their normal rhythm of fast passing and movement off the ball.”
Southern came out the second half having multiple opportunities to tie the game but was unfortunate not to capitalise on their chances. The East Gosford goalkeeper Samantha Butler produced some terrific saves that could have easily seen Southern walk away with a point.
“My team made a big improvement in the second half, but unfortunately we could not score. Congratulations to East Gosford,” Said Southern Coach Augusto Terra.
After the game, the Rams Coach was impressed with the improvement showed by the Southern girls and can see them causing havoc for WPL teams this season. As for his own teams’ performance, he was pleased with another clean sheet and 3 points to start the season.
“Although not the best performance, good teams tend to find ways to get the win. I was pleased with the effort the girls showed to grind out an important 3 points,” Jorge added.
Killarney 0 – Terrigal 1
A late second-half goal would be the only difference between Killarney and Terrigal in their round 1 clash.
What was labelled as a highly competitive and combative game, goal-scoring opportunities were restricted to long-range efforts and set pieces. The game was scoreless heading into half time.
The start of the second half saw much of the same as the first. With both defences holding strong, goal opportunities for both teams were hard to come by once again. The deadlock was eventually broken in the 75th minute when Terrigal’s Indi Moyes ran onto a defence-splitting pass, creating a 1v1 as she rounded the keeper and slid the ball into the back of the net. Indi’s goal would be the only difference between the two sides as the game finished 1-0 to Terrigal.
“We are pleased to pick up a valuable 3 away points to start the season and would like to wish Killarney District all the best in future games”, Terrigal’s coach Darryl Darke added.
Umina 5 – Kariong 2
2020 WPL Premiers Umina got their 2021 off to a fast start against Kariong scoring 3 of their 5 goals in the first half. Kariong having a very disappointing season last year unfortunately could not turn their fortune around in round 1
Umina’s first goal came from Amber Mangan, while Kate Styles and Hayley Fullwood both found their names on the scoresheet within the first half. Umina would enter the second half 3-0 up.
Despite scoring 3 in the first half, the score could have blown out if it wasn’t for missed chances and great goalkeeping from Kariong’s #1 Abbey Omayao.
The Umina girls seemed to head into the second half too comfortable and Kariong really put it on the Umina side for a 10-minute period where they were able to get their 2 goals, both coming from Kariong’s Rose Keegan.
It would be Umina’s Amber Mangan and Hayley Fullwood who would both get their double for Umina in the second half. Umina coach Steve Donaldson happy with the result but insisted his team still needs to be better.
“It was a dominant display but to repeat last year’s effort we have to be better in the future.”
“It was a tough start to our season especially taking on the premiers for the first hit out. The first half was not particularly great for us, but I give it up for the girls, they pushed through and came out the stronger team in the second half.” Stated Kariong coach Haylie Eyers.
“When we wish to succeed, we will push ourselves to the uttermost limit”.
Gosford 11 – Wyong 1
2020 WPL League Champions Gosford welcomed competition newcomers Wyong in their round 1 clash at Gavenlock Oval.
Gosford would not be friendly and was out to make an impression on the rest of the competition as they dominated Wyong with an 11-1 win. Madelene Yates found herself on Gosford scoresheet multiple times as she finished the game with 5 goals to her name. Tahlor Thackray (2), Laura Mah (1), Jessica Dominello (1) and Brittni Nicol (1), all amongst Gosford scoresheet while Piper Menteith was the only one who got herself on the scoresheet for Wyong.
Wyong will face other WPL heavyweights Umina next week in round 2. Gosford will look to keep their fast start going when they travel to Duffy’s Oval to face Terrigal.
Written By Adam Blunden