Round 1 Review – PS4 NPL 2 NSW Women’s
Circumstances and the weather curtailed a portion of the first weekend of action but the games that were played were entertaining openings to the season.
Match of the Round: Bankstown City Lions 1 defeated by Nepean FC 2
Nepean FC produced a superb second half effort, scoring twice to secure the first three points of the season this afternoon at Jensen Park.
It didn’t take long for the first goal of the game to be scored. Samantha Muscat raced into the box and chipped the Nepean custodian for a 1-nil lead for the Lions after four minutes.
The visitors responded quickly as Madeline Stedman found space in the box and fired a shot goalbound but some desperate defending kept Bankstown City Lions in the lead.
Next it was Stephanie Haaring for Nepean FC as she scooped an effort wide. After a sluggish start they had worked their way into the contest.
Their best chance of the first half came from a set piece. Jessica Elliott fired a warning of her free-kick prowess as the defender rattled the bar with her effort.
Bankstown City Lions had a chance just before the break to double their advantage. Kaitlin Harms was left free in the box but couldn’t force a shot on target as the Lions went into the break 1-nil up.
After halftime, Nepean FC had altered their game plan which was to disrupt the Lions from playing through the midfield which was impressive from a young backline.
They needed to get the ball in the net though to get back into the contest and on 55 minutes it was 1-1. Brittney Pelle cut inside her defender and curled an effort into the net to get Nepean FC level.
The home side had a chance to respond immediately as Emma Jackson scooped an effort just over the bar as the contest started opening up.
Nepean FC had their second goal in the 64th minute. Once again Elliott stepped up from a long range free-kick, this one she had on target as it looped over the head of Lana Ferreira in the Lions goal for a 2-1 lead for the visitors.
As the game started to open up, it became a battle of the two midfields as neither team could produce a clear-cut chance as time ticked away.
In fact it was Nepean FC with a final chance to put the game to rest. Lauren Connell was free in the box but couldn’t direct a header goalbound.
Nepean FC would hold on though, and pick up their first three points of the campaign.
Afterwards the Nepean FC coach was proud of the second half dominance.
"We spoke about it at halftime, playing a high line press them as high as we could and not allowing them play any football. Came away with a few good goals as well," he said.
Bankstown City Lions coach Troy Spink lamented another loss to Nepean FC.
"It was really disappointing really – to see the passes not going where they needed. Credit to Alan and Nepean FC though, they are a tough side for us to play against and showed why again today." Said Spink.
Match Stats
Bankstown City Lions FC 1 (Muscat ‘4)
Nepean FC 2 (Elliot ’64 and Pelle ’55)
Bankstown City Lions: 1. Lana FERREIRA, 2. Tania BABAN(LUCIEN ’62), 4. Liana BABIC(OPOKU-AGYEMANG ’45), 6. Rosie BACON, 8. Lyndsay KOHLET, 10. Maniso MICHEAL(GENC ’73), 11. Joanna MARTINO, 12. Madeline MORGAN, 15. Allegra VICKAS, 18. Doris OSMAN and 21. Samantha MUSCAT(MURPHY ’81)
Subs not used: 41. Sihaem SAADE
Yellow cards: Kohlet
Nepean FC: 1. Narmin MALAS, 2. Emma JACKSON, 3. Natalie LAWRIE(WHEELER ’73), 4. Jessica ELLIOTT, 7. Stephanie HAARING(AXISA ’61), 10. Bianca GALAYINI(CONNELL ’54), 11. Madeline STEDMAN, 12. Alex WADDELL, 13. Desiree VASSALLO, 19. Britney PELLE(HARMS ’84) and 25. Aisling DAVIDSON
Subs not used: 16. Bridget BRIEN
Yellow cards: Elliot
Sutherland Shire FA vs Gladesville Ravens
Sutherland Shire FA has got their season off on the right note with two late goals to down Gladesville Ravens 3-1.
The Shire ladies opened the scoring in the first half through Georgia Manos. Gladesville Ravens responded early in the second as Cecilla Corney leveled things up.
It was the home side though that collected the points with two late goals from Danielle Wise and Jordan Baker to down a gallant Gladesville Ravens team in their maiden bow in NPLNSW 2 Women’s.
Marconi Stallions vs Southern Branch FC was washed out. Sydney Olympic FC vs Inter Lions was postponed due to medical emergency our thoughts are with Sydney Olympic Reserve Keeper Eloise Jenkins, speedy recovery!
-By Justin Davies, NPLNSW 2 Women’s reporter
