Round 2 Review: NSW Womens Premier League
Just when you think you’ve got the Womens Premier League competition figured out, you have a weekend like Round 2.
A 10-0 win for the Stingrays was obviously a highlight, as was a 4-2 win for Northbridge in the Northern Suburbs Derby but the key result of the weekend was the NWS Koalas defeating Marconi Stallions 4-2 as Teresa Polias faced off against her old team.
MATCH OF THE ROUND: Sutherland Shire FC 0 – 10 Illawarra Stingrays
Forget the high-5s, it was the high-10s around the field as the Illawarra Stingrays proved to be too strong for Sutherland Shire FC when the Battle of the South took place at Harrie Denning Centre on Sunday afternoon.
In the build up to this game, there was no doubt of the strength of the Stingrays squad – their ability to play a ‘pretty’ style of football as well as have a ‘no mercy’ approach in front of goal was why they have been identified as one of the best sides to grace the NSW Womens Premier League competition in recent years. Sutherland Shire on the other hand were the unknown entity, the opposite to the household names who run through the Stingrays squad. This was always going to be an uphill battle for the home side.
Sutherland got the ball moving at 12 minutes past 3. A slow build up play hinted that if Sutherland Shire got an early shot on target or in fact a goal, there was every possibility that there could be an upset at the Harrie Denning Centre.
The opening 13 minutes was less of a 11v11 game and more of a Erica Holoway (Stingrays right striker) vs Georgia Rowntree (Sutherland Shire keeper) affair. On three occasions Erica was played into space and looked to open the scoring before Georgia would produce saves that only Victor Valdes could dream of making. Proof of why Georgia Rowntree is considered one of the best young goalkeepers in the competition.
Just as the clock hit the 15 minute mark, the Stingrays were gifted with an opportunity to open the scoring after a penalty was awarded. The hard working and forever reliable Ann Mayo stepping up and slotting the ball into the bottom corner of the goal.
Four minutes later and the Stingrays found themselves doubling their lead through Jess Cooper with a lovely chip over Georgia Rowntree’s head and into the back of the net. It was here that the Stingrays seemed to put the cruise control on for the remainder of the match whilst the Sutherland Shire looked to be stuck in first gear.
Michelle Carney added her first goal of the game and Stingray’s third of the match mid way through the first half. A great team goal followed by a perfectly weighted through ball for Carney showing an obvious gap in Sutherland’s defensive line.
Sutherland worked hard in the midfield to try and pick up the scraps and get the ball moving in their favour but every time they did so there was a Stingrays defender somewhere in their way. A credit to the tactical work by the Illawarra Stingrays coaching staff but the short passing and possession football something to work on at training for the girls in blue.
Before the break, three more goals were added to the Illawarra Stingray’s increasing lead to make the score sit comfortably at 6-0. The half time team talk from in the away side was simple; keep working hard, keep the ball more and see if you can score another one or two. For the home team, it was to try and plug the gaps and deny any other chances.
Two and a half minutes after the restart, Michelle Carney got her hat-trick. A well-worked goal as well an assist to Erica Holloway extended the Stingrays’ dominance. The crowd didn’t want to wait long though to see yet another goal. Jess Cooper getting her name on the scoresheet for the second time during the day with a fabulous goal.
With 67 minutes and 30 seconds left on the clock (most fans had started counting down until this game would be over), Stingrays added their ninth goal of the game. It was this constant hunger for goals, which best showcased the high expectations the Stingrays have for their 2013 season.
In what was the final shot on goal of the game, Caitlin Cooper finished the scoring making it 10-0 in favour of the Stingrays. A perfect finish for a perfect day.
All hope is not lost for Sutherland Shire though. The home team showed glimpses of promise and in the opening 15 minutes were every bit in the game. Training will be tough this weekend but the team will quickly have to lift their heads as Sutherland Shire play host to Central Coast Mariners Academy on Sunday 14th April at the Harrie Denning Centre.
The Stingrays will travel to Concord Oval in Round 3 with high spirits. 17 goals scored in two games and barely a shot on target against them. Things are looking good from the top of the ladder for the ladies in pink but as we all know, when you’re at the top there is only one way to go so the players will need to stay focused in the next couple of weeks to maintain their positive attitude and to keep enjoying their football.
Central Coast Mariners Academy 2 – 6 Sydney University SFC
Playing in front of their home crowd for the first time this season, Central Coast Mariners Academy played host to a very strong Sydney University SFC side. At half time the travelling side were 4-1 up and looking comfortable. The second half was filled with plenty of half chances and missed opportunities for both sides but in the end Sydney University SFC were too strong for the Mariners.
North West Sydney Koalas 4 – 2 Marconi Stallions
A double to Emma Stewart as well as goals to Alicia Bass and Shayna Killey were enough to give the Koalas a solid win at ELS Hall Park. Marconi Stallions pushed hard for 90 minutes and got goals back through Linda O’Neill and Helen Petinos but it wasn’t enough for the girls in blue. With two wins in two games, the Koalas occupy third spot on the ladder with a goal difference of +4.
Macarthur Rams 2 – 0 Blacktown Spartans
A goal in each half was enough for Macarthur to continue their strong form with Shane Duffy’s side claiming their second victory of the season at Lynwood Park. Last year’s champions will be hoping to continue their rich run of form with a win over Sydney University SFC whilst for Blacktown Spartans, things don’t get any easier as the club plays host to NWS Koalas at Blacktown Football Park in Round 3.
Northern Tigers 1 – 3 Inter Lions
Northern Tigers had the tough task of bouncing back after their heavy defeat in Round 1 and things didn’t get any easier when the side took on Inter Lions at Mills Park. The score was locked at 1-1 on half time but Inter Lions proving to be too strong for the Tigers running away 3-1 winners at full time.
Northbridge FC 4 – 2 Manly United
There were plenty of nerves on display at Northbridge Oval after Northbridge FC were sitting comfortably 3-0 in front at half time. Manly United were gifted two opportunities and the side looked to be heading towards a spectacular comeback before the result was sealed at 4-2.
Reserve Grade
It was a day to forget for the Sutherland Shire FC girls as they failed to score against the Illawarra Stingrays going down 8-1 at Harrie Denning Park. The Stingrays scoring all nine goals in the game (yes, including an own goal) to claim the victory away from home. Without a natural striker in the side, Sutherland Shire looked shaky in the final third will need to work on their build up play if they are going remain competitive for the remainder of the season.
Elsewhere in the Reserve Grade, the points were shared between North West Sydney Koalas and Marconi Stallions with 3-3 being the end result at ELS Hall Park. Macarthur Rams failed to contain the Blacktown Spartans in front of a home support at Lynwood Park. That game ending in a 3-1 win for the Spartans.
Northern Tigers and Inter Lions had a 1-1 draw at Mills Park. Central Coast Mariners Academy failed to get on the scoreboard as they went down 3-0 to Sydney University SFC. And in the final game of the day, Northbridge FC were unable to find an equaliser at Manly United ran away 2-1 winners.
– By Pete Nowakowski
