NPL NSW Women’s 2 Round 1 Review
New South Wales’ rainy weather meant only two games went ahead in the NPL NSW Women’s 2 competition. Football NSW’s match of the round was the clash between Sutherland Shire FA and Central Coast Mariners Academy at Seymour Shaw Park.
Central Coast Mariners Academy got their season off to the perfect start, with a 3-1 win over Sutherland Shire FA at Seymour Shaw Park. Jayme Fressard proved to be the difference between the two sides, scoring a hat trick to secure the three points for her side.
The match started off at a cracking pace and Central Coast took the lead after only three minutes, winning the ball back in their own half before passing in behind to striker Fressard. Fressard, starting her run in her own half was the fastest to react and raced through 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper, converting calmly.
After only eight minutes Central Coast doubled their lead and it was again Fressard causing all the problems. With her pace again troubling Sutherland’s defensive line, she made no mistake with her second clear cut opportunity of the match, coolly passing the ball into the bottom left hand corner.
As the match went on the frantic early pace slowed as the 28 degree heat, and the fact that this was the first official outing of the season, took effect.
As players tired, spaces began to appear in midfield and Sutherland’s Jessica Beale came into the game, threading passes through to the front three. Sutherland were able to create some half chances and looked threatening down their right hand side but were unable to break down Central Coast’s solid back four.
With half time looming Sutherland were nearly their own worst enemy, with Morgan Maxwell playing a risky back pass. Fressard burst in behind looking for her hat trick, only to be denied by goalkeeper Adriana Maras who raced off her line to clear the danger.
Central Coast went into half time 2-0 up after dealing reasonably comfortably with the threats posed by Sutherland. But within a minute of the restart Sutherland grabbed a goal back. A dangerous corner was half cleared by the Mariners, but as their defensive line stepped up they were caught out by the second ball back into the box which found Beale free in space. As the defenders looked on waiting for the offside call, Beale controlled the ball and finished into the bottom corner.
The game turned into a scrappy affair after Sutherland’s goal as challenges from both sides came flying in but it was Fressard with a touch of class that was the difference between the two sides.
After wiggling free from the defender, Fressard struck a venomous shot towards goal, only to see the ball tipped over the bar by the goalkeeper. But Fressard wouldn’t be denied her hat trick for long and in the 67th minute she put the game beyond doubt, again finishing after finding herself in a 1-on-1 situation.
“Jayme has always been a dangerous player, she’s quick as lightening and tough so I think she is going to have a really good year if we can continue to give her the service,” said John Blanco, Central Coast’s reserve grade coach, sitting in for absent first grade coach Shelley Youman.
Sutherland struck the near post in the 76th minute but Fressard’s third reinvigorated Central Coast’s attack and they forced the goalkeeper to make a number of solid saves as the match ended 3-1.
Northern Tigers vs Southern Branch, at Charlie Bean Sports Ground
Southern Branch inflicted a 6-0 loss on Northern Tigers in their relocated Round 1 clash. Madison Cornell (2), Samantha Cornell (1) and a hat trick from Madeline Costanzo ensured a comfortable win.
Reserve Grade Results:
A double from Tahnee Blenman, as well as goals from Courtney Smith, Emma Hurley and Danica Englert was enough to secure a comfortable 5-0 win for Central Coast Mariners Academy over Sutherland Shire FA. Elsewhere in Reserve grade, Northern Tigers came out on top in a 4-3 thriller against Southern Branch.
-By Kate Cohen
