Four rounds in, and all teams have points on the board as the table is starting to take on a familiar shape.
Match of the round– University of Wollongong-2, Coniston-0 @Kooloobong Oval
University of Wollongong added to their win from last round with another 2-0 victory this time against Coniston.
Coniston were on the front foot in the first ten minutes as they kept the home side within their own half.
In the 15th minute, Tara Cannon for Coniston blasted an arched shot from outside the box, which headed to the top bin of the net; however, the university’s keeper grabbed the effort comfortably.
Coniston continued their pursuit for the first goal with Madelaine Steel, who crossed a dangerous ball into the box, which the keeper had to tap away out of danger in the 22nd minute.
44 minutes into the first half with a minute to spare, University answered back.
A swung-in free kick went through the defensive line and off a defender in the box with Sian McGavock, who pounced on the effort with a half volley from close range.
1-0 to the University leading into half-time.
Wollongong sought to catch Coniston by surprise with a diagonal ball from the midfield to Jasmine Trajceski, left in front of goal, but Elle Joy Yamomo tackled her before she could get a shot off.
Coniston’s error by the keeper led to a surprise indirect free kick on the penalty spot of the box in the 76th minute.
Lexi Carter attempted to find a gap in the goal full of Coniston players; however, the opportunity was squandered when it was hit wide of the goal.
In the 80th minute, Cannon fought for a goal to draw level, receiving the ball off a ricochet and launching a low shot from distance, but it went wide.
Coniston’s efforts for an equaliser were crushed in the 81st minute, with Ariana Fleming’s free kick to the rapid forward, Trajceski at the backpost, who arrived to get a head on it.
Her headed effort got past the keeper with a Coniston defender who failed to clear it from the line as it bounced into the net.
University’s second win of the campaign has rocketed them to third place, and they have the chance to increase their streak with a third consecutive home game, this time against Shoalhaven.
As for Coniston, they play an away fixture against Thirroul, who are only a point behind them in the table.
Player of the match- Rhianna Brown
File Photo:
Bulli FC-0, Thirroul JFC-4 @Balls Paddock
The battle for the first win of the season goes in favour of Thirroul, who had a commanding result with four goals against the home side, Bulli.
Thirroul wasted no time in opening their account in the game with a 5th-minute goal swept in by Grace Vaughan.
Both teams remained even at the end of the first half and in the minutes leading into the second half; however, that was disrupted when Nicole Lacunza finished her effort to make it 2-0 to the visitors in the 56th minute.
Ten minutes later, Mila Gehrke came up with the goods to add to their advantage and make it 3-0.
In the 68th minute, Vaughan was at the double to extend the Thunderbolt’s lead and add more suffering for Bulli.
The two quickfire goals within the space of two minutes in the second half was enough to steer the away team to victory.
Thirroul will hope to capitalise on their win with a game against Coniston FC at their home ground, while Bulli continue their search for their first win of the season away against neighbours Woonona Sharks.
Player of the Match- Nicole Lacunza
File Photo:
Shoalhaven FC-2, Shellharbour City-2 @Ison Park
Shoalhaven’s two-goal lead against Shellharbour overturned by a second-half comeback with a late equaliser at the death.
Both sides were locked together in the majority of the first half as no team could find a way through to strike a lead until the last minute.
In the 45th minute itself, Kaitlyn Sennitt came up with a response and ended the half 1-0 to Shoalhaven, which put Shellharbour on the back foot in the second half.
The home side continued the momentum in the second half with a 66th-minute finish by Sami Wilkie.
Shellharbour immediately bounced back a minute later with City’s main goal threat, Samara Wehmeyer, who struck back to give the visiting side a lifeline.
As the clock ticked down to full-time, Shoalhaven looked to secure their second victory of the season; however, Imogen Dos Santos became the hero for the away side with an 89th-minute equaliser to end the game square for both sides.
Shoalhaven’s spoilt result means they remain outside the top four of the ladder, while Shellharbour remain top of the table, who are the only team yet to lose a game.
Shellharbour go into round five with a bye, while Shoalhaven take on an in-form University, who have climbed into third place after their two recent victories at home.
Player of the match- Samara Wehmeyer
Photo’s – Richie Wagner
Reports by Thomas Panayiotou
