MATCH OF THE ROUND
Kanwal 1 – 5 Southern & Ettalong
Despite opening the scoring, Kanwal could not hold onto their lead as they conceded 5 consecutive goals in a 5-1 defeat to Southern & Ettalong in the WPL Round 3 Match of the Round.
Kanwal got off to a fantastic start this past Sunday as they looked to start their year off with a win in front of a home crowd at Wadalba Sports Complex. The Bulls opened the scoring with a quality assist from Maddi Dunlop that found teammate Jennifer Reeves who slotted home the opening goal with a tidy finish. However, this lead wouldn’t last long thanks to a stunning 25-metre free-kick from Southern’s Emily Diaz. Southern would then take the lead after a fantastic play down the left made its way to Hannah Davidson as she calmly controlled the ball on the top of the box and chipped a well-placed shot over the Kanwal goalkeeper. Hannah’s goal gave The Lionesses a 2-1 lead heading into halftime.
The second half of action saw a slower pace from both teams as fatigue started to set in the longer the game went on. Kanwal had the better of the play, maintaining possession well, whilst creating several scoring opportunities but could not exploit the Southern defence which remained impenetrable. Southern got their third goal after another well placed shot from Emily Diaz which doubled her team’s lead and secured her brace for the day. Next on the scoresheet for Southern was Tatum Ansiewicz whose effort down the right-wing was rewarded with a goal to take the game to 4-1. Letisha McCormack was able to find herself in the box and drive her effort into the back of the net to wrap up Southern’s impressive 5-1 win over WPL contenders Kanwal.
Allan Bourke stated, “We need to take our chances that we work so hard to create,” when reflecting on his side’s loss. “In many respects, it was a tightly fought match.”
Augusto Terra was ecstatic with his team opening their season with a win over a tough Kanwal side, “It was a tough game for both teams, but we managed to play well and take the win.”
Woy Woy 11 – 1 Wyong
A very dominant opening WPL fixture from Woy Woy got their season off to a fantastic start after an 11-1 win over Wyong at their home ground, Austin Butler Oval.
Woy Woy started the first period in full control and dictating the flow and pace of the game. It wasn’t until the 15th-minute mark when there was some confusion between a Woy Woy defender and goalkeeper which allowed Wyong’s Jessica Peachey to pounce on a loose ball at the back and perfectly chip the Woy Woy keeper from range, putting The Emu’s in front with a 1-0 lead against the run of play. Woy Woy would bounce back quickly with an equaliser from Lucy Metcalfe who found herself 1 on 1 with Wyong’s goalkeeper as she coolly slotted home to get her side their first goal of the day.
After Woy Woy grabbed their first, the floodgates then opened as they continued to dominate and create plenty of chances which they turned into goals. Wyong managed to stay strong defensively at the start of the second half before fatigue became evident in the Emu’s squad. Laura Mundy was in tremendous form in front of goal at Austin Butler, leaving with an astonishing 5 goals to her name. Lucy Metcalfe was able to find herself on the score sheet again, picking up a brace. Abbie Kitchener, Brianna Green, Aleah Soames, and Kelly Maiden all picked up a goal of their own to solidify Woy Woy’s 11-1 win.
Despite the loss, Wyong’s coach Andrew Halton commended his side’s performance and their lack of quit. “Woy Woy was a tough opposition who outrun a tired squad. With a lack of squad depth this season and a number of players out, we were forced to play most of the squad in reserve and first grade. I’m proud of my players who didn’t give up and kept fighting for the badge. The squad will now put this result behind them and focus on the rest of the season.”
Woy Woy’s Lucy Metcalfe had nothing but high praise for Wyong and their goalkeeper who had a tremendous performance. “Big shoutout to the opposition keeper who had a fantastic game and kept the scoreline to where it was.”
Ourimbah 0 – 3 Killarney
Ourimbah could not get their inaugural WPL fixture off to a win, going down by three goals to finals contenders Killarney.
Heading into the game, Ourimbah’s coach Dave Hurley knew that he needed to set his squad’s formation to limit their scoring opportunities within his defensive areas and then, look to counterattack from the midfield. These instructions were evident at kick-off as Ourimbah defended deep into their own half which provided Killarney very limited scoring opportunities in their front third. Whilst maintaining some positive possession, Ourimbah had a small lapse in defence which gave Killarney a great opportunity in front of goal which was followed up by a terrifically struck shot from Alisha Dudman who gave her new side a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Despite being a goal down, Ourimbah was encouraged and determined to commence the second half with a positive start. The Falcons worked hard to provide scoring opportunities, yet it was just out of their grasp. A corner from Killarney’s Tajsha Birrell found teammate Jessica Andrews who doubled the Terrier’s lead. Killarney pressed well and another corner saw Ella Aldrich extend her sides lead to 3-0. Ourimbah battled on hard for the rest of the game and never gave up, but the Killarney defence held strong to see the game out.
“Overall, we are starting the see some combination plays within our new squad and looking forward to the rest of the season,” stated an extremely positive Dave Hurley who will now focus on next week’s challenge.
East Gosford v Umina
Postponed.
Terrigal – BYE
WPL Points Table –
WPL Club Championship –
WPL Round 4 Fixtures –
