Illawarra Stingrays scoop positive results in Adelaide trip
After a 4am flight from Sydney, a very weary Stingrays took on the Adelaide United side at the Para Hills ground. The ground was extremely hard & bumpy and both teams found it difficult to play good football.
The game was played at an even pace. Once the Illawarra girls settled into a rhythm they displayed their grand final qualities. Attacking the Adelaide goal at regular intervals the Stingrays kept the Adelaide United keeper on her toes. However, the local custodian was equal to the challenge, keeping the score line level into half time. Ash Connor and Ann Mayo were outstanding for Illawarra whilst Sam Spackman was also at her brilliant best. Kim Bonilla showed some skills in midfield for the Stingrays. The visitors were a little disappointed not to have grabbed a half time lead.
The game continued to flow in the second half. Against the run of play the Adelaide side received a free kick just outside the 18 metre line. The resulting play saw the ball fly off a couple of players before deflecting into the Stingrays net. Although the Illawarra girls were suffering from the heat and tiredness they dug deep; playing some of the best football of the game before Ash Connor finished off a great passing move to equalize.
The final score was Adelaide United 1 Illawarra Stingrays 1
Despite being left battered and bruised the Stingrays, after some overnight ?repair? work by physiotherapist Carl, backed up the following day to play the South Australian Institute of Sport..
Stingrays Coach Brett Wallin decided to start the game with a completely different side to Saturday?s team; being happy to see the younger girls be offered an opportunity. Five minutes into the match Sam Muscat broke the defence only to see her dipping shot tipped over the cross bar by the SAIS. Many more raids took place with the youthful Stingray squad more than holding their own. Sam Spackman came on as a substitute in the 35th minute, taking full advantage of some good lead up play to chip over the SAIS keeper?s head into the net from an acute angle. This was a classy finish.
Injuries took their toll on the Illawarra team towards the end of the game but the girls still managed to produce some good attacking football. Despite their enterprising play going unrewarded with more goals the Stingrays ran out deserved 1-0 winners.
The Illawarra Stingrays Club wishes to pass on their appreciation to the FFSA, Adelaide United and the Para Hills Football Club for their hospitality. Without the support of these organizations the weekend of football would not have been possible..
Illawarra Stingrays are hopeful of these matches becoming an annual event.
This weekend the Illawarra Stingrays will be looking for revenge when they do battle with recent conquerors Sydney FC in another pre season friendly.
-By Ross Anderson
