Gladesville Ravens crowned 2022 League One Women’s Champions

The League One Womens season has wrapped up in dramatic fashion. Gladesville Ravens were crowned Champions in a fantastic Grand Final against Hills United FC on Sunday.

Let’s get onto the review!

Gladesville Ravens vs Hills United FC

Gladesville Ravens were crowned FNSW League One Womens premiers in a 1-0 win against Hills United FC in a pulsating contest on Sunday afternoon at Valentine Sports Park.

For Gladesville Ravens, it is the cherry on top of a fantastic season. They are Premiers, got promoted and won the Championship tonight. It took until extra time but Zoe Zaczek bundled home the winner to help lift the trophy.

Hills United FC’s debut campaign ended in heartbreak. They were close to making history but finish runners up which is still a wonderful achievement. It was also the swansong for captain Desiree Galea who was retiring post-match.

On a picturesque afternoon at Valentine Sports Park, the two best teams in League One Womens met in the decider and the contest was fiercely fought from the opening whistle.

The first chance fell to Hills United FC. Captain Desiree Galea rose highest for a corner but nodded her effort wide of the mark.

Hills United FC’s Alix Roberts was a constant thorn in the side of the Ravens defence. She stood over a central free-kick but sent her effort over the bar.

Ravens started to find their rhythm in the contest and their first opportunity fell at the feet of Gemma Woolley. The Ravens leading scorer found space on the right and sprayed it wide.

There were back-to-back efforts for Ravens to take the lead just before the break. Jess Wootton sprung up and couldn’t direct her header.

Wootton again was at the center of the action from another set piece. Her free-kick was headed towards the top corner but was touched onto the bar by Hills United FC custodian Sarah Easthope to keep it at 0-0.

After a cagey few moments after the restart. Roberts threaded through the ball to substitute Isabella Sciberras who sent her shot right at Ravens keeper Romina Parraguirre.

The game started to open up as extra-time loomed. A corner for Hills United FC fell to Aisling Davidson who clipped the post with her effort.

Both teams couldn’t be separated so the game headed to extra time. Gemma Woolley had an effort in the first minute which flashed wide of the post.

Ravens did find the back of the net in the first period of extra time. Maggie O’Reilly’s cross was floated in and the header was tipped by Easthope into the path of Zoe Zaczek to tap home, 1-0.

Hills United FC surged forward with a greater emphasis after conceding. Sciberras hit the post with an effort alongside a wide volley from substitute Ellen Berios.

Their final chance fell to another substitute. Kaylie Shannon found some space close to the box but blazed her effort wide of the mark.

Gladesville Ravens saw out the rest of the game and were crowned Football NSW League One Womens Champions. Defender Astreia Denby also picked up the Player of the Match award.

Post-match, a delighted Gladesville Ravens coach Andrew Galbraith praised his squad in what was a scrappy game to take home the trophy:

“It was a fitting finale to a long season. The two top teams fighting it out to the end. We got the goal we needed and didn’t have to go to penalties. It wasn’t a pretty match to watch. A real final and a struggle but we fought and never gave up.” said Galbraith.

Devastated Hills United FC coach Alan Tasses remained positive with the effort from his side in a debut season to remember:

“It was a fantastic game. We had plenty of chances but couldn’t take them. Both teams didn’t want to give an inch which is typical of a final. The club are really happy with our progress in the first year and making the Grand Final was amazing. The club have supported the girls and the girls have shown their support through their effort.” said Tasses.

MATCH STATS

Sunday 25 September 2022

Valentine Sports Park, Glenwood

Referee: Mikayla Ryan

Assistant Referees: Emma Kocbek & Alexis Johnson

Fourth Official: Rebecca Mackie

Gladesville Ravens 1 (Zaczek ‘99)

Hills United FC 0

Gladesville Ravens: 5. TANAKA Keiko, 6. SEETO Anja (25. HANSEN ‘110), 7. WOOLLEY Gemma, 8. VLANGOS Georgia, 9. ZACZEK Zoe, 12. DENBY Astreia, 15. GILBANE Elizabeth, 22. PARRAGUIRRE Romina, 24. DAVEY Kimberley, 26. O’REILLY Maggie, 31. WOOTTON Jess

Unused subs: 1. COLEMAN Eliza, 4. LIDBETTER Eleanor, 14. BRAUN Maya, 19. SPROULE Natalie, 21. MILROY Amelie

Yellow cards: Denby, Hansen

Red cards: nil

Hills United FC: 1. EASTHOPE Sarah, 2. JACKSON Emma, 3. DAVIDSON Aisling, 4. ROBERTS Alix, 7. TROVATO Stefanie (18. TALLON ‘90), 8. GALAYINI Bianca (12. SHANNON ‘74), 9. LANE Imogen (14. BERIOS ‘74), 10. HALLS Annie, 13. GALEA Desiree, 15. WHEELER Cassandra (17. SCIBERRAS ‘56), 19. HASTIE Brooke

Unused subs: 16. BRIEN Bridget, 21. WHOLOHAN Emma

Yellow cards: Galea

Red cards: nil

I’d like to extend a big thanks to all the coaches, players and officials who have helped me put together these reviews each week this season.

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)