Umina v Killarney
Still feeling the highs of last week’s performance where they secured a top-four finish, Umina will look to take maximum momentum into the 2024 Finals Series with a win over a determined Killarney this weekend.
Headlining the match of the round fixture for the second straight week, last week Umina suited up away from home against Kanwal as both teams were desperate for the win.
Despite a subpar record on the road this season, the E-Gals overcame Kanwal, defeating the Bulls 2-0 to record their first clean sheet away from home this season.
Once again it was Kate Styles on the scoresheet for Umina as the prolific goal scorer got Umina’s first of the day to mark her third straight game finding the back of the net. Tori Sheriff also featured on the scoresheet as she was able to put the nail in the coffin and deliver Umina all three points.
Head coach Michael Penn voiced what he believed when right for his side in that fixture as they look to do the same against Killarney this Sunday. “It was the absence of the opposition goals that secured our victory, in previous games two goals might not have been enough. If we can continue holding out the opposition then we should progress nicely.”
Unfortunately for Penn, last Sunday saw multiple players leave Wadalba Sports Complex with injuries as the small squad has even lost a key starter for the remainder of the season.
“With only having a young small squad any injuries seriously affect us. We have several injuries after the Kanwal game so rest and recuperation for my players has to take precedence,” stated Penn.
“We realise this may cost us third place, but finals are more important. Having said this, we will as always, go out to win and we should not be written off.”
Despite shaping up differently as the squad manages their fitness, Umina will be determined to enter their difficult Minor Semi-Final fixture with full momentum as they face Kincumber, a side they have had some extremely close battles with so far this season.
Umina have a tremendous home record as Umina Oval has always served as a fortress for this side, and this proved true when they welcomed the Terriers to their home ground earlier in the season and prevailed 4-1.
“We know Killarney will bring the game to us as they look to end their season on a high but we are playing in front of our home crowd so their support will urge us on.”
“Another way to look at it is, if Woongarrah finishes their season on a high then our result will be of little consequence,” added Penn.
As for Killarney, despite falling just short on their quest to play finals in 2024, the Terriers should hold their heads high after a tremendous season under head coach Jai Menser.
Killarney struggled immensely in 2023, finishing the year in last place with zero wins to their name. As the club looked for a different direction within the coaching squad, Jai Menser was appointed to the helm.
Under Menser, this side has greatly improved, and we can only expect this young side to get better with more experience. Ahead of his final game of the year, Menser spoke on what this season has meant to him.
“It’s been a year full of growth, like most football seasons, the ups and downs came consistently.”
“I have no doubt these girls will stay together for years to come, and they will keep getting better and better. They will inch their way closer to the top of the league and will get rewarded with their patience and hard work.”
With so much on the line last weekend as Killarney were hopeful to get a win and have other results go their way to keep their finals chances alive, it was not to be for the Terriers who delivered a masterclass and recorded their biggest victory of the year (8-1).
“I was super happy and super proud of the girls of that result, I have been all year round, their development and growth together is what measures their big successes this year,” reflected Menser.
Now with just the one fixture remaining in their season, Killarney will look to end their year on a high as they look to take down Umina away from home.
When questioned if he would look to end the year on a win and build momentum for next season or elect to give players an opportunity ahead of this weekend’s clash, Jai stated he would use this weekend as an opportunity to do both.
“It’ll be a mix, I know we can get the three points by rotating the squad around. We’ll be looking to get every player on the pitch for one final time.”
“To pick up all three points this weekend will be like it has been all year, stick to our principles, play our football, be a 90-minute team and be patient with each other.”
Match Official – Tafaranashe Mudavose
All Round 21 Results –
