Round 6 Review: NSW Womens State League
There was plenty of action in the Womens State League this weekend, with a couple of upsets and several tense moments as three out of six matches ended in draws.
Only one goal separated two other matches, while Sydney Olympic emerged as the leading side with a convincing win, finishing Round 6 clear at the top of the table.
MATCH OF THE ROUND: Mt Druitt Town Rangers v Southern Districts Emeralds
A well-worked goal from Brooke Conroy was enough for Mt. Druitt Town Rangers to see off a strong Southern Districts side in a fiery encounter at Popondetta Park.
The visitors started the strongest, passing the ball confidently around the park and stretching Mt. Druitt’s defense. In just the opening few minutes, a free kick from 25 yards out from the Emeralds’ Loiuse Howard flew just past the right hand post. Howard was in great form early down the left flank, shooting well from distance and creating opportunities for her teammates.
It wasn’t all going Southern Districts’ way however, as the Rangers held firm in defense. As the game progressed, player-coach Taryn Rockall showed her experience, barking instructions to her teammates and making a nuisance of herself in the centre of the park. Wherever the ball went, Rockall wasn’t far behind, and her work rate clearly lifted her teammates.
Kristy Rohrer was at the centre of everything for the visitors, combining well with Louise Howard and Sheree Bryant. Her enthusiasm got the better of her midway through the first half, however, and after a heavy challenge on Rhiannon Gobourg, she was given the first card of the match.
It wasn’t long for the second booking to come, this time for backchat by Mt. Druitt’s pacy winger Nubia Lopez. The home side was stretched, and on several occasions turned the ball over trying to play out of defense. But the Rangers gradually played themselves into the game, and began to threaten the visitors.
On the thirty-minute mark, Rhiannon Gobourg – who was one of the standout performers in the first half – put Brooke Conroy through on goal with a great pass. However, with only the goalkeeper Liana Ferriera to beat, Conroy couldn’t convert. Still, just moments later, a defense splitting chip from Rockall put Conroy in space just six yards out, and this time the striker calmly slotted the ball home
Mt. Druitt might not have been the strongest side in the first half, but they were clinical where it mattered. Their gutsy performance gave them plenty of confidence, and in the second half they were simply too good for Southern Districts.
It wasn’t for a lack of effort, though, that the visitors couldn’t find an equaliser. Lousie Howard and Sheree Bryant continued to pressure their opponents and create chances, but Mt. Druitt’s defense was simply too strong. Lee Jenkins and Natasha Vaccari were both inspirational at the back, while Emma Hampton was all energy in the midfield.
The game started to turn spiteful as the players began to tire, with some rash challenges from both sides. A studs up tackle followed by some colourful backchat from Kristy Rohrer earned the number ten her marching orders. The Emeralds’ star striker wasn’t happy, and her side were up against it with twenty five minutes left on the clock.
With a man down, Vanessa Ciabatti stepped up her game, and ran her heart out in the closing stages, urging her team on. But it was too late for Southern Districts, as Nubia Lopez and Stefanie Trovato kept the pressure firmly on the visitors with several late chances. Bouyed on by their vocal supporters, the green and gold Rangers closed out a well deserved win against one of the form sides of the competition.
Elsewhere in the Competiton
Parramatta Ladyhawks 1-0 APIA Leichhardt. Melita Stadium, 3pm.
Sarah Mason-Trybel scored her first goal of the season for Parramatta Ladyhawks against the visiting APIA Leichhardt side, which was enough to secure all three points. A scrappy game saw several players injured, with APIA nursing two players in hospital. Tarek Madani was forced to call on several young girls to fill his injury-decimated squad, with 15 year-old Nicole Carmichael putting on a brave performance in trying circumstances.
Southern Branch 3-3 UNSW Lions. South Nowra Football Complex, 3pm.
It was a grand final rematch in Nowra, and fans were treated to a second half comeback special by the home side. After UNSW went three up, with goals from Monica Kavanagh and a double from Ayse Adalis, it looked to be all over. But for the second time in three weeks, Southern Branch were able to claw their way back, scoring three and hitting the woodwork another three times. For Southern Branch, Angela Graham scored twice, while Jo Costanzo was on the score sheet again.
Sydney Olympic 4-1 Gladesville Ravens. Blick Oval, 3pm.
Olympic continued their fine form against the visiting Gladesville side, taking all three points with a 4-1 win. The Ravens made it 1-1 in the first half through Fatty Agar, but couldn’t hold on into the second half. Gladesville are still a work in progress, while Olympic have asserted themselves as the team to beat in the competition.
Western NSW Mariners 2-2 Bankstown City. Proctor Park, 3pm.
The ever-reliable Gillian Rosconi was on hand to score two goals in the second half for Western NSW Mariners, giving them a share of the spoils against Bankstown City. Samantha Muscat got both goals for the visitors, but after Georgina Stylianou was sent off in the 50th minute, the Mariners capitalised on their numerical advantage. Rosconi saved the day, with a last-gasp equaliser in the 94th minute.
Nepean FC 2-2 St George Saints. Cook Park, 3pm.
Nepean coach James Rankine was pleased with his side’s performance, as the home side registered their first points of the season. Ashleigh Stanford was on hand to score a double for Nepean, including a first half penalty. Saints will be disappointed to have not taken all three points away from home, but with players missing it was never going to be easy.
RESERVE GRADE:
Plenty of goals this week in the reserves, with wins for Mt. Druitt, Western NSW, Sydney Olympic, UNSW, Parramatta Ladyhawks and St. George.
-By Joe Gorman
