Nepean to face Bankstown in Womens State League GF
Two second-half goals from Alix Waddell and Stephanie Lagudi sent Premiers Nepean to next week’s Grand Final after defeating a lacklustre St George side at Popondetta Park.
With both teams suffering opposite results last week a full week of uninterrupted preparation set the girls ready for this match. The minor premiers Nepean entered the game after suffering a shock loss to Bankstown City FC whereas the Saints toiled their way to victory against Mt Druitt in penalties.
The first half can be described in one word, physical. As soon as the girls stepped on to the pitch the physical tussle immediately began. As both sides battled for early possession the girls marked their intentions with flying tackles and tough challenges.
St George’s inspirational skipper Lauren Gardner who has led her side with valour this season again came out early winning a lot of the balls in midfield while constantly looking for her wingers for distribution.
Equally as good was Nepean’s midfield who simply controlled the game late in the first half. The way they served as a shield made things easy for their defenders. Each one of their esteemed core were simply fitter as they began to topple the St George midfield towards the end of the half.
The reds kept the pressure on St George’s defence with Kaitlin Harms and Paige Wilson having some clear chances at goal, but were matched as the sides went into halftime at 0-0.
The second half began in a blistering pace as Nepean opted to press higher than they have during the whole first half. Their back four remained tight providing their attackers the confidence and the license to move higher up the pitch.
Just two minutes into the second half came Nepean’s reward as Desiree Vassallo picks out a speedy Alix Waddell who slices through St George’s centre-halves. Once the ball hit its target Waddell showed amazing technique taking the ball down and using her pace to get into a one on one situation with the keeper in which she makes no mistake.
Much to the delight of the home crowd, Nepean finally looked like their usual selves and had no mercy for their opponents. Minutes after the goal Nepean did not let up as they looked for their second goal to kill the game off. Though to their credit, St George’s back four remained composed and certainly did their part.
As the minutes wore on the fitter team (Nepean) began to enjoy more of the possession as fatigue finally caught up with the brave girls from St George. It was evident that last week’s 120 minute marathon affected them physically and mentally.
Through that though they certainly kept Nepean honest with usual suspects Koinis and Toumbelekis coming close to an equaliser from counter attacks. Nepean kept on pressing high but was often diffused by the Saints defenders notably Natalie Bakrdanikoska who was magnificent and kept her side in the contest with her positioning and tackles.
With a few minutes to go in the match the second goal for Nepean finally came as Stephanie Lagudi took advantage of a defensive blunder and made no mistake with the finish.
The game ended but what we were exposed to today were two sides that left everything on the pitch, well done to St George for an amazing season and good luck to Nepean for next week.
– by Chris Doroudgar
