A thrilling Kooloobong Oval contest saw top team Shellharbour JFC almost lose the lead to University of Wollongong FC, but they managed to win 4-3 with a mix of eye-catching goals, intense battles and last-minute drama.
From the start, Shellharbour made it clear why they lead the table with their smooth passes and lots of movement. After only five minutes had passed, Samara Wehmeyer made a huge difference with a fierce countermove. Near the half-way mark, the fast-moving forward zoomed into the area, leaving Rhianna Brown behind and scored calmly past Isabella Djokic. In the 9th minute, Wehmeyer set up a chance for Costanzo with a clever pass and her shot forced Djokic to dive and save once more low to the side of the goal.
The midfielders for the visitors, Christina Videla, Kristina Janeska and Kari Gonzalez, were in charge, moving cleverly and distributing the ball well. Wehmeyer got to Videla’s corner, with a wonderful volley but Djokic saved it with a wonderful dive. Shellharbour took the lead for good when Wehmeyer took a through ball from Janeska which drew two defenders and passed to Gonzalez for a simple shot into the empty net.
When Gonzalez pounced on a loose ball from another Videla corner to make it 3-0 on the hour mark, the game appeared over as a contest. But UOW, to their immense credit, refused to surrender. The introduction of fresh legs sparked them into life, and in the 79th minute Sophie Boyd produced a moment of pure quality, driving past two challenges from midfield before slotting into the bottom corner
Nikola Wilson found their chance on an 81st minute volley from the edge of the box, effectively halting the goal rush by Djokic. Even though they were down, the girls showed a lot of character. Boyd fed a through ball to Morrel minutes from the final whistle and she rounded the goalkeeper, then calmly put the ball in the empty net.
The end of the match was full of emotion as Shellharbour, all of a sudden, were stuck defending in their own territory. UOW made one last effort in stoppage time, but the league leaders defended well and managed the game to come out on top and win the game.
What’s Next:
Shellharbour will use their energetic attack to face Shoalhaven Association at Myimbarr Park on June 8th and UOW will look to improve on their commitment when they go to Thomas Gibson Park to meet Thirroul JFC on June 8th.
Match Report: Full-Time: University of Wollongong FC 3 – 4 Shellharbour JFC
Kooloobong Oval | Women’s Premier League Round 10
Report by Niketh Mathew George
