University downed Thirroul Thunderbirds 1-0 on Sunday afternoon, to secure their third straight win for the Women’s Division 1.
The first goal scoring opportunity came in the 10th minute of the match for the University side when Tahlia Petrovski sped past her defenders, taking the ball out wide before squaring the ball into Lexi Carter who sent her shot over the crossbar.
The Unicorns would soon have another chance at goal when defender Ashleigh Long picked up a corner ball just outside the 18-yard box before taking a wide shot.
Attacking combinations from Kaitlin Mott and Asha Meusburger for the Thunderbirds looked to be threatening but could not get past the Unicorns defence line.
UOW continued to dominate in their front third with Carter taking space in the midfield before sending Lucy Crighton in behind her defenders, cutting it back for Sophie Boyd who’s effort went just wide off the corner post.
It wasn’t long however, before the Unicorns took control of the match when Petrovski grabbed her chance way outside the 18-yard box before taking a long range shot and chipping the goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute.
Not long after, a potential chance for the Thunderbirds came when Mott took a strike at goal but could not get past the hands of goalkeeper Elle Coleman.
A chance for a second goal in the 35th minute, Petrovski looked to be dangerous once more after receiving a long-range ball from her defence line, before heading the ball just centimetres off the near post.
A strong half from the Unicorns saw them head into the sheds with a 1-0 lead over the Thirroul Thunderbirds.
University came out firing with Elise Battin and Petrovski creating chaos in the centre of the box, later sending a ball out wide into Lisa Tolson before her shot was denied by the near post.
Thirroul’s closest chance to equalise came from Mott in the 80th minute of the match, taking space out wide and striking an accurate shot at goal but was well-saved by Coleman.
The final attacking chance for the game came from a well-executed free kick from University’s Kate Sebben, a chance at doubling their score late in the match, but her shot fell just short of the far post.
The Thunderbirds continued to probe but apart from long-range half-efforts from Mott and Meusburger, the visitors just couldn’t seem to be able to send the ball into the back of the net.
With a goalless second half, Petrovski’s goal secured the Unicorns a 1-0 win over the Thirroul Thunderbirds.
University will travel to Bulli next Sunday afternoon, whilst Thirroul Thunderbirds will host a strong Woonona side at Thomas Gibson Park.
Date: 26 June 2022
Venue: UOW Field 2
Referee: Lochlan Cohen
Assistant Referee: William Lucas
Report by Alison Dinh, on Twitter @alisondinh_
