Round 6 Review – League One Women’s
Round 6 in the Football NSW League One Women’s competition was impacted by the deluge of rain across the state this week but there were still four games to enjoy on Sunday.
There were wins for St George FC, Mt Druitt Town Rangers, Nepean FC and Hills United FC in the truncated weekend.
Let’s get onto the review.
Match of the Round: Bankstown City Lions FC vs Hills United FC
Hills United FC won 1-0 against Bankstown City Lions FC down at Jensen Park in the Match of the Round on Sunday evening.
The hosts had the majority of the chances in the game but couldn’t find a way past the stubborn Hills United FC defence. Stephanie Ambrose had their best chance with her penalty which was saved in the 73rd minute.
Hills United FC move to the top of the League One Women’s ladder with their win and remain unbeaten to start the season. Their goal was scored by Bianca Galayini in the 65th minute to make it 1-0.
Both Bankstown City Lions FC and Hills United FC strode onto Jensen Park under lights to keep their undefeated records intact.
It was a tight opening between the two sides who were trying to figure each other out which saw a few half chances.
Hills United FC had the first chance of the game in the 21st minute. Brook Hastie sent in a free-kick which was pushed wide by Bankstown City Lions keeper Stephanie Grimbilos.
Bankstown City Lions FC started to find their rhythm. A cushioned path found an onrushing Skye Casacchia who fizzed it wide.
Next, Aya Seino had a chance inside the box. A lofted ball found her in stride but she couldn’t turn it towards the net.
Lions captain Liana Danaskos tried to break open the game with a long range effort which Hills United FC keeper Sarah Easthope handled easily.
They went close to making it 1-0 in the 33rd minute. Seino rounded Easthope then tried to roll it home but a diving intervention from Aisling Davidson denied her.
Bankstown City Lions FC finished the half with a pair of chances. Maryam Mostaghimi headed wide from a corner then Stephanie Ambrose curled a free-kick over.
The second half continued in the same pattern. Bankstown City Lions FC were on the front foot but weren’t able to beat Easthope.
They had a few corners to open the second half but they were swept away by the determined Hills United FC defence.
Hills United FC broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. Alix Roberts turned inside the box, had her shot deflect into the path of Bianca Galayini who turned home for 1-0.
Stung by conceding, Bankstown City Lions surged ahead to find an equalizer in the final 20 minutes and keep their undefeated record.
Casacchia had a good chance for the hosts when she cut inside her defender and unfurled a shot which went straight to Easthope.
Bankstown City Lions FC were awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute to level. Roukayah Al Fararjeh was fouled then Ambrose stepped up and had her spot kick saved by Easthope.
The final part of the game became a game of cat and mouse as Bankstown City Lions FC tried to unlock the Hills United FC defence.
They were denied at every avenue as Hills United FC snapped their unbeaten start to the season and kept another clean sheet.
Speaking post match Bankstown City Lions FC coach Ante Covic reflected on the first loss for the side this season:
“It was a game which I thought we didn’t deserve to lose. They played the perfect kick and chase game and worked all game to deny us. We deserved more but you don’t get everything from a game as they scored from a half chance. I don’t think much football was played tonight.” said Covic.
For Hills United FC coach Alan Tasses, he exhaled and spoke about the win for his side which has them top of the table:
“It was a great game between the top two teams and was a battle. They came out fast and hard so we had to weather the storm. Our structure was good and [Sarah] Easthope made a fantastic penalty save. So, to take fifteen Club Championship points tonight was good.” said Tasses.
Match Stats
Sunday 7 April 2024
Jensen Park
Referee: Stephanie Hilton
Assistant Referees: Gregory Roberts & Matthew Herring
Bankstown City Lions FC 0
Hills United FC 1 (Galayini ’65)
Bankstown City Lions FC: 1. Stephanie Grimbilos, 3. Stephanie Ambrose, 4. Zoe Zaczek, 5. Angelina Mastoris, 6. Liana Danaskos, 8. Skye Casacchia, 9. Roukayay Al Fararjeh, 13. Zali Dean, 15. Chelsea Greguric, 16. Maryam Mostaghimi, 18. Aya Seino
Unused subs: 11. Annabel Forbes, 20. Jasmin Lawler, 25. Elif Erdogan, 36. Karen Bennett, 37. Natalie Moujalli, 39. Isabelle Zoghbi
Yellow cards: nil
Red cards: nil
Hills United FC: 1. Sarah Easthope, 2. Emma Jackson (15. Maddison Edmunds ’85), 3. Aisling Davidson, 5. Olivia Schembri, 6. Brooke Hastie (8. Bella Donaldson ’45), 7. Alix Roberts (22. Zoe Wilson ’85), 10. Bianca Galayini, 11. Isabella Sciberras (14. Ellen Berios ’89), 12. Kaylie Shannon (4. Chisato Tokoro ’90), 13. Desiree Galea, 21. Rhanni Plummer
Unused subs:16. Bridget Brien
Yellow cards: nil
Red cards: nil
St George FC 3 defeated Marconi Stallions 0
St George FC won 3-0 against Marconi Stallions in their game at Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon.
The Saints made it five games unbeaten after another comfortable win down at their home ground. It was a tight affair in the first half as St George FC couldn’t find a way past the dogged Marconi defence and they went to half-time at 0-0.
St George FC clicked into gear in the second half to take all three points. Kyla Vanderlaan opened the scoring in the 56th minute for 1-0 then Christina Dendrinos doubled their delight in the 63rd minute. Raegan Deeley came on as a substitute then scored in the 83rd minute to round off the 3-0 win.
Nepean FC 3 defeated Sutherland Strikers FC 0
Nepean FC were 3-0 winners against Sutherland Strikers FC down at Jamison Park on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts got their first win of the League One Womens season in solid fashion on a bright afternoon in Sydney’s West. Tamara Grieves gave Nepean FC the 1-0 lead in the 30th minute to give them a lead at the break.
They kept their foot on the pedal in the second half to make sure they were able to secure the result. Jessica Martinez gave them the perfect start after the break with her 46th minute goal for 2-0 then a late goal from substitute Amelia Giardina made it 3-0 as Nepean FC enjoyed singing the team song for the first time in 2024.
Inter Lions FC 0 defeated by Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC 4
Mt Druitt Town Rangers won 4-0 against Inter Lions in their game at Majors Bay Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The Town Rangers continued their form in the early stages of the League One Women’s season with another big win and clean sheet. They led at the break 1-0 after a 35th minute goal from Isabella Williams for her second goal of the season.
The visitors ran rampant in the second half with three goals to make up the 4-0 score line after the final whistle. Leena Khamis made it 2-0 in the 50th minute then Alanah Nicholas added the third in the 59th minute before substitute Jessica Anand made it 4-0 in the 84th minute.
Camden Tigers vs Central Coast Mariners, SD Raiders FC vs Blacktown City FC and South East Phoenix FC vs South Coast Flame FC washed out
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
