New side Shoalhaven produced a 2-0 win over reigning Julie Porter Cup champions Woonona Sharks on Sunday afternoon at Ocean Park.
Forward Shaylee Meehan was the match-winner for the side, scoring a goal in each half in a statement Cup win for Shoalhaven.
Woonona looked to make a fast start to the match as Zoe Anderson tested Alana Smith’s glove work within the first two minutes.
However, 10 minutes later, the visitors stunned the reigning champions with a goal.
A pass out of the back from Sharks’ goalkeeper Kelsey Clements was intercepted by Meehan, who sent a left-footed shot into the vacant goal.
Woonona worked quickly to put this early setback behind them and had several opportunities soon after conceding.
In the 14th minute, Smith denied Laura Green from close quarters before Jessica Beale sent a free-kick over the top.
Four minutes later, Shoalhaven’s goalkeeper was called into action again, repelling Tess Stephens’ effort from the left of the box at the near post.
Midway through the half, Meehan almost doubled the away side’s lead, forcing Clements into a low save from the edge of the area.
In the 27th minute, Stephens picked up a miss-placed Shoalhaven pass in the middle of the pitch, drove into the box and dragged a shot wide of the right post.
Moments later, Shoalhaven returned fire through Peta Cottington, who rattled the crossbar with a speculative long-range strike.
Not long after that, the lively Meehan raced in behind one-on-one with Clements, but the goalkeeper pulled off an important stop to keep the score at 1-0.
Woonona went into the sheds with just the one-goal deficit after a thrilling first half at Ocean Park, which was full of chances for both teams.
The second half adopted a slower pace, but chances continued to trickle through as Woonona pursued an equaliser.
In the 54th minute, Green escaped down the right and made her way into the box, firing a shot wide of the near post.
Twelve minutes later, the Sharks had an excellent chance for an equaliser from a corner as Paige Hirst ran onto the set piece and hit a first-time strike that Smith reacted well to make the save.
Just seconds later, Shoalhaven doubled their lead. Meehan’s shot from the edge of the box was palmed up rather than out by makeshift goalkeeper Clements, and the ball bounced over the line.
Shoalhaven almost had a third in the 70th minute, but Woonona cleared the ball from the line, keeping them in the game.
As the game approached full time, the Sharks advanced more numbers, putting several testing deliveries into the box.
Ultimately, the visitors held firm to secure an impressive win over last season’s champions, Woonona.
Elsewhere in Pool B, University enjoyed a 2-1 win over Coniston, while in Pool A, Shellharbour downed Bulli 5-0, and Thirroul beat Fairy Meadow 4-0.
Shoalhaven host Coniston next Sunday as Woonona travel to University.
In Pool A, Thirroul welcome Shellharbour and Bulli are at home to Fairy Meadow.
Report by Tim Gibson
File Photo
