Women’s DP2 – Saturday August 3, 2002
V St Andrews
Score: 2-0
This top versus bottom clash was played on the unfamiliar surroundings of field 9, the playing surface of which resembles that of a cricket pitch. Therefore it was essential for us to play a short passing game rather than bank on their defense missing traps on the bouncy ground. When it took a while for our team to adjust to the terrible surface, St Andrews showed glimpses of good play, but better communication and marking at the back soon nullified their good play. By the midway point of the first half, we had control of the tempo of the match and were earning plenty of corners. The corner options were good, and although denied goals early by their agile keeper, Michelle opened the scoring after 20 minutes from a layoff. After that goal our confidence, intensity and passing skills lifted. From another corner minutes later, Tonya double the lead after short passes eliminated their defenders and allowed ample space for a shot. As our good marking forced St Andrews to hit balls over the sideline at 16 yard hits, we kept the pressure on and were unlucky with more corner and field goal chances going close.
In the second half we comfortably controlled the game and boxed them in at their end of the field. Although we didn’t score in the second half, our play was improved, with all of our players going fantastically. The flowing passing was great to watch and few chances were spoiled by greedy play. The combination of Danielle, Katrina and Nadine terrorised their right-side defense, and Michelle, Kym and Bec showed great poise and slowed the play when required. The leading off the ball by the likes of Shanina, Susie and Tonya was excellent, and our simple 2-on-1 plays killed them. Our midfield was totally dominant and looked for the wide options more, stretching their defense, and we rarely got caught in possession – the use of backpasses was effective too. Jodie had a blinder at right half and fullbacks Kayley and Bronwyn repelled all challenges. The only thing that prevented us scoring more goals was that most shots went wide – if they went at the keeper our wingers were ready for rebounds. Our attacking hits just outside the circle can be improved if the inners make more space and the other forwards move more. We don’t fare well when the game is played at a frantic pace, so the slower tempo of this game is one we need to emulate. If we can continue to play like this, we will peak at the right time of the year.
Goals: Michelle Back
Tonya Collins
Lee Oliver
copyright 2002 Lee Oliver