Womens State League Round 2 Review
There really is no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than at a NSW Womens State League match. Watching the next crop of superstars and Premier League players mixed in with some great atmosphere makes for good times for all.
There were a number of big results over the weekend with Gladesville Ravens keeping a cleansheet as they ripped apart Nepean 6-0 whilst over at Melita Stadium, Bankstown City FC had a less than perfect day giving the LadyHawks something to cheer about.
MATCH OF THE ROUND: UNSW Lions 4-0 APIA Leichhardt. David Phillips Complex, 3pm.
On a sunny afternoon in Sydney’s east, the home side was too good for the visiting APIA Leichhardt. A four-goal first half performance by the reigning champions was enough for UNSW to close out a comfortable first win of the season.
The first goal came within five minutes from Ayse Adalis, who finished off a smart piece of build up play by Rachelle Godman down the left. Adalis pace made all the difference as she beat APIA’s goalkeeper to the ball, rounding the keeper before slotting the ball into the net.
Just minutes after the first goal the Lions scored again, this time after some brilliant lead up play from Adalis, who opened space for Laura Clapperton who set up Rachelle Godman. The combination of those three proved to be a headache for APIA from then on, with Godman asserting herself in the midfield alongside the industrious Claire Stephan.
But it was Ayse Adalis who stole the show in the first half, as the striker was involved in two more goals before half time. The first was an Adalis special as her cheeky give-and-go found space behind the defensive line, finished off by a perfectly weighted chip over the keeper. The last goal of the match was a tap-in by left-winger Laura Clapperton, who finished off an unstoppable Adalis run and cross.
In the second half, the visitors lifted their game considerably, showing plenty of character considering the scoreline. APIA won more of the ball in the second half, with inspired performances from Willow Shorrocks and Jessica Ibrahim. There were several good opportunities on goal, but with new UNSW goalkeeper Amanda Seskin in top form, APIA simply couldn’t find a way through.
Seskin’s heroics in goal were matched by her enormous organisational efforts, yelling advice and encouragement to her teammates from start to finish. This helped the central defensive pairing of Jaqui Feros and Elle Rasmussen, who showed that UNSW are as strong in defence as they are attack. Rasmussen in particular stood out with some assured distribution from the back.
While APIA coach Tarek Madani will be disappointed with the result, the fact that his young side fought all the way to the end will be pleasing as they gain more experience in first grade. Meanwhile, UNSW showed why they are the team to beat this season. Their brand of direct and attacking football will trouble all sides in the competition.
Elsewhere in the Competition:
Parramatta Ladyhawks 3-2 Bankstown City Lions
A ripping game at Melita Stadium saw Parramatta edge out their neighbours Bankstown, with goals from Alix Roberts, Alix Waddel and an Alisha Dudman wonder strike giving Ladyhawks their second win in as many games. The visitors provided stiff competition in an exciting clash, with Samantha Muscat and Amy Dahdah both finding the back of the net.
Southern Branch 1-6 Sydney Olympic
Sydney Olympic proved too strong away from home, taking out all three points in their first hit out of the season. Kate Halaska was in hot form, scoring a hat trick for Olympic, while Danielle Calvi, Lisa Mitchell and Kalista Tsoupis scored one apiece. For Southern Branch, Angela Graham scored after backing up from reserve grade.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers 2-4 WNSW Mariners
The Mariners had a happy away trip as they traveled to Poppondetta Park in Mt Druitt. After taking a 2-0 half time lead, the Mariners were able to close out the match 4-2, with goals from Gillian Rosconi, Morgan Sherman, Megan Embleton and Georgie Bennett. For the Rangers, Demi Francis and Rhiannon Coburg both scored.
Southern Districts Emeralds 5-2 St George Saints
Southern Districts made it two from two at home, proving too good for Saints. In a high scoring match, Kristy Rohrer, Nes Richa, Jenai Shearer, Cherie Bryant and Ashleigh Danielson all found the back of the net, while Kristy Kunovski scored a double for St George.
Gladesville Ravens 6-0 Nepean FC
Nepean struggled again this week away to Gladesville, who played their first match of the season after their game was washed out last week. A top performance from the Ravens saw them put six past the visitors, with goals from Noelle Loyzaga, Juliette Davidson, Fatmar Agar, Alisha Hill and a double for Holly Gibbons.
Reserve Grade:
Plenty of goals this week in the Reserve Grade. There were big wins for UNSW over APIA Leichhardt, Parramatta Ladyhawks over Bankstown and Gladesville against Nepean. Southern Branch won a tight game 4-3 against Sydney Olympic, Mt Druitt Town drew 2-2 with the Mariners and Southern Districts beat St George Saints 2-1 at home.
-By Joe Gorman
