MATCH OF THE ROUND
Killarney 3 – 1 Kincumber
This week’s Match of the Round lived up to all expectations, delivering an intense and physically demanding encounter that saw Killarney take all three points thanks to two late goals.
Both teams entered the match anticipating a contest marked by aggressive pressing and pressure on ball carriers. Under extremely slippery conditions, the game commenced with both sides displaying a strong start.
The first half was characterised by rapid play and passion, with Killarney Vale enjoying greater possession. However, both teams created opportunities to capitalise on goal-scoring chances.
Kincumber frequently attacked down their right flank, proving to be a persistent threat. After an exhilarating first 45 minutes of football, the teams entered halftime deadlocked at 0-0.
Following tactical adjustments and a strategic substitution at halftime, Killarney Vale found their rhythm and began to assert dominance in the attacking third.
A perfectly weighted pass from Jordan Evans set up Kaitlyn Murphy, who, with only the goalkeeper to beat, confidently scored the opening goal in the 57th minute, putting Killarney Vale ahead 1-0.
Kincumber responded quickly, equalising in the 63rd minute after a brilliant run down their favoured right flank. A pinpoint cross found their striker Rhianna Matkovic, who showed excellent composure to finish with a precise first touch, levelling the score at 1-1.
This equaliser reinvigorated Kincumber, and the intensity of the match escalated, entertaining the sizable crowd present as both teams pressed for the next goal.
Killarney Vale intensified their efforts, generating several half-chances as they sought to reclaim the lead. The introduction of fresh legs in the 65th minute, through substitutions Candice Phelan and Tori Robertson, added new energy to the Killarney Vale attack.
Just five minutes later, Tahlor Thackray entered the game and quickly made an impact, scoring a stunning low left-footed strike in the 78th minute to put Killarney Vale ahead 2-1.
Inspired by their lead, Killarney Vale maintained their offensive momentum. Six minutes later, Laura Knight executed an impressive run into the box, only to be fouled by a Kincumber defender.
The referee awarded a penalty, which Lucy Metcalf calmly converted to secure her third goal of the season and a definitive 3-1 advantage for Killarney Vale.
“I am extremely proud of the team’s performance,” voiced a happy Sarah Hudson. “The girls displayed remarkable resilience and tactical intelligence throughout the game.”
“We learned valuable lessons about our capabilities and those of our opponents. The second half was marked by intent and determination, allowing us to control the game’s tempo.”
“Kincumber proved to be formidable opponents, motivating us to dig deep, credit to Tamar and his team for their efforts. Winning these three points serves as a fitting Mother’s Day tribute to the five mothers on the field, capping off a memorable and hard-fought match.”
Despite coming up short, Tamer Mansour stated the quality these two teams showed on the weekend. “Brilliant tactical performance from both teams, very entertaining game to watch, Good standard of football to see on the coast, the result definitely doesn’t reflect the gameplay but that’s football.”
Match Official – Stephen Wrightson
Southern & Ettalong 1 – 2 Umina
The local peninsula derby played under lights at James Browne Oval had all the elements for an exciting matchup as these two teams entered the round placed similarly on the table and both looking for a victory to help them get their season back on the right track.
It was almost the dream start for the visitors Umina who hit the post in the 5th minute after a breakaway from Kiara Kelly.
Southern started strong with slightly reshuffled player positions that helped their press high up the park with Larna Homer working overtime.
Umina hit the post for a second time in the 35th minute and had a goal disallowed two minutes later.
An evenly matched game for most of the first half saw the deadline broken when Umina’s prominent goal scorer Kate Styles found an over-hit through ball and capitalised with a well-placed finish one-on-one.
The second half started much the same, with both teams battling for control of the midfield. The longer the contest went on, the more the game got physical as the Southern sideline protested for cards to be shown.
25 minutes into the second half, Umina doubled their 1-goal advantage. Another through ball that over the high line of Southern saw Tori Sheriff react the quickest, beating the oncoming keeping to poke home the ball despite the Southern defender almost intervening.
Following an off-the-ball altercation, both Southern and Umina would have to play the final 10 minutes with a player down.
With time running out for the Lionesses, a freekick for handball was given in the 85th minute just outside the corner edge of the 18-yard box.
Emily Trengrove hit a superb strike that found the back of the net, above and beyond Umina’s keepers reach to pull one back for Southern but the result would end in a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Umina.
“Southern kept fighting all game as we expected and pushed our team till the end,” stated Dave Brewer.
“It was a vastly improved game from our team. We were really poor against Kincumber the week before but the work they put in at training showed. We executed our passes a lot better and kept the ball for longer periods.”
Adrian Van Der Heijden also commented on the fixture. “Southern Ettalong’s team again consisted of a 15-year-old Aspen, 17-year-old Marlie, and two all-age players backing up for us. All played a great match.”
“We were also fortunate enough to welcome another returning player Dinna Hutchinson back into the fold. This all helped to alleviate the sick and injured players who couldn’t play a full game but gave their all for every minute they were on the park.”
Match Official – Jeffrey Smith
East Gosford 2 – 1 The Entrance
The Rams emerged victorious in a hard-fought contest against the Reddies, winning 2-1 in a match that saw both teams battle through challenging weather conditions.
Despite the persistent rain, the game was full of energy, with both sides creating opportunities and showing resilience until the final whistle where East Gosford were able to hold off a late comeback scare to keep their perfect winning record intact.
The match began with an early push from the Rams, who wasted no time in testing the Reddies’ defence.
In the opening 9 minutes, the Rams had their first real chance, but the effort sailed just wide of the post, much to the relief of Reddies’ goalkeeper Cara Maxwell.
The Rams continued to dominate possession, with several long-range efforts coming close but either missing the target or being comfortably gathered by Cara.
After nearly 30 minutes of play, the Rams broke the deadlock with a stunning goal. Positioned just inside the 18-yard box, Kelly Hogan unleashed a powerful strike that left Cara with little chance, giving the Rams a 1-0 lead.
As the first half neared its conclusion, the Rams doubled their advantage. A perfectly weighted through ball split the Reddies’ defence, allowing Kimberley Meyer to race through on goal.
The striker coolly slotted the ball past Cara to make it 2-0, sending the Rams into the break with a comfortable lead.
The Reddies came out for the second half with renewed energy and determination, pressing higher up the field in search of a way back into the game. Their efforts soon began to pay off as they started to create more attacking opportunities.
Some key substitutions provided the Reddies with the fresh legs and attacking options needed to test the Rams’ defence. As the match drew closer to full-time, the Reddies mounted a late rally.
A swift counterattack from the back saw the ball move quickly up the sideline before a cross was sent into the box. The ball found Jade Hawes, who was in the perfect position to strike.
She made no mistake, sending a powerful shot from 18 yards out past the Rams’ goalkeeper and into the back of the net, pulling one back for the Reddies.
The goal gave the Reddies a glimmer of hope, but despite some late pressure, the Rams held firm to secure a 2-1 victory.
“It was a highly competitive game where both teams showed quality in different aspects of play,” voiced The Entrance’s Mal Treuer.
“The Rams took full advantage of their opportunities in the first half, with East Gosford delivering a clinical performance, while the Reddies’ late surge showed their fighting spirit. Both sides can be proud of their efforts, and it’s clear that there are positives to build on as the season progresses.”
Match Official – John Shaw
Kanwal 1 – 3 Terrigal
Cait Walker and her squad at last got their initial win of the season thanks to a well-carried-out gameplan while Kanwal now records back-to-back defeats as they look to turn things around on Wednesday night.
Terrigal hit first on enemy territory through Gabriella Healey who blasted a shot into the top corner leaving the opposition goalie no chance of denying her effort just 12 minutes into the game.
Not to be deterred, Kanwal responded minutes later with a tremendous goal of their own to get the Bulls back on level terms.
The game was extremely back and forth as both teams searched for the next, crucial goal in the contest. Terrigal had multiple opportunities, but the Kanwal keeper kept the game in the balance.
Terrigal eventually got their lead back when a beautiful through ball found Brianna Currell in space as she made no mistake with her opportunity to score her opening goal of the year.
Gabby almost extended Terrigal’s lead to 2-goals right before the halftime break but her powerful shot was saved by the fingertips of Kirstin Dawson and forced over the crossbar.
As the second period commenced, Kanwal started positively as they were chasing a 2-1 deficit. The Bulls created multiple goal-scoring chances, but the clinical Abbey Omayao would not be beaten in goals again.
Early pressure and a slow start saw Terrigal eventually wake up and switch back on. Walker’s side transitioned back into the grove they found in the first half which led to Milla Melverton finding the bottom corner with her chance to extend Terrigal’s lead.
With the rain streaming down on and off all game, the ground became slippery underfoot causing the game to slow down.
With less than ten minutes on the clock, Tanisha Wallace had an open goal, only to be taken out by the Kanwal keeper who was shown a second yellow card and Kanwal would be forced to play the remainder of the game a player down.
Awarded a penalty for the challenge, captain Emma Power stepped up for her side and was denied by the crossbar as she was unable to further extend Terrigal’s lead.
Nonetheless, Terrigal was able to see out the remainder of the contest to bag their first three-point Sunday of the year.
“Overall, we transitioned well and our passes for most of the game were on point,” reflected Cait Walker.
“I believe that over the last few weeks, we have stayed in the game but not been rewarded but today it came together. Hopefully, now we have had training on a field instead of synthetic fields that we can start to build on our game.”
Match Official – Rodney McLeod
Golden Boot Standings –
| 6 | Kelly Hogan (East Gosford) |
| 4 | Jessica Dominello (East Gosford), Jordan Evans (Killarney), Hayley Green (Kanwal), Helaina Wellington (Kincumber) |
| 3 | Kate Styles (Umina), Ruby Watt (Entrance), Lucy Metcalfe (Killarney), Kaitlin Murphy (Killarney), |
Points Table –
Division 1
Round 6 Results –
Points Table –
