After several weeks of preseason and Cup games, the WPL kicked off over the weekend with Shellharbour City sending out an early warning that they mean business this year.
Shellharbour City 6-1 University of Wollongong @ Myimbarr Park
It took City just three minutes to get the breakthrough, with Dajana Popovic pouncing on her opportunity.
University were on the back foot for much of the early stages with the versatile Samara Wehmeyer finishing well on 17 minutes to put the hosts 2-0 up.
When Mia Riza added a third midway through the half, the game was all but over.
To Universities credit, though, they fought back and some good work from Jasmine Trajceski was rewarded with a neat finish to pull one back just before the break.
Seconds after the restart, disaster struck for University with Wehmeyer tucking home her second and Shellharbour’s fourth.
On the hour, substitute Kari Gonzalez’s effort found the net, making it 5-1, and University were in damage control as Shellharbour were running riot.
Madelaine Constanzo wrapped up a solid start to her teams season with a fine effort just a few minutes from time to round out a comprehensive win over the students.
University will use the week off (bye) to regroup, whilst Woonona will host neighbours Thirroul.
Player of the Match – Samara Wehmeyer (Shellharbour City)
Bulli 0-0 Coniston FC @ Balls Paddock
Neither side managed a goal in this match, with Coniston perhaps having the greater share of possession in the first half whilst Bulli turned on the heat as they pushed for a winner in the second.
It was a pretty even contest which was open and at times physical however neither team mustered up any great threat as both sets of attacking players misfired.
Bulli have showed significant improvement in their early season form and they demonstrated some strong defensive resilience. Coniston on the other hand swept Bulli last season and they may consider this match as two points dropped.
Coniston will travel to Shoalhaven next week in what will be an interesting match with Bulli hosting heavyweights Shellharbour City.
Player of the Match – Tara Cannon (Coniston)
Woonona FC 4-2 Shoalhaven FC @ Ocean Park
It was a welcome return to form for the Sharks as they scored four times in this one. Having not quite put it together in the Julie Porter Cup, Woonona avenged their loss last week to Shoalhaven with a solid performance.
They got off to a flying start with Jordan Wheatly putting the Sharks ahead after just three minutes with a thunderbolt of a shot that took a slight deflection.
Tess Stephens was on hand at the far post to tap home on 10 minutes after a cross from the right as the Sharks doubled their lead, and when Laura Green fired home from a through ball home on 18 minutes, the Sharks had Shoalhaven rattled.
The visitors won a penalty just before the break, which was duly converted by Melanie Leedham to give them something to build on at halftime.
Grace Cooper lobbed a perfect ball from a corner that saw Paige Hirst head in from close range just after the break, which was a huge set back for Shoalhaven as Woonona restored their three goal cushion.
It was a better second half for the visitors, who were rewarded with a goal from Cassandra Beavan on 76 minutes; her effort from just outside the box was a top-drawer finish, however, the damage was already done as the Sharks went on to take the points.
Woonona will be hoping to build on that performance as they host Thirroul, with Shoalhaven returning to Ison Park, where they will host Coniston, with both sides eager not to fall too far behind early.
Player of the Match – Fiona Leafe
