The Central Coast Mariners Westfield W-League team has continued its perfect start to the season, soaring to the top of the table after a comprehensive 2-nil victory over Adelaide United.
The Central Coast Mariners Westfield W-League team has continued its perfect start to the season, soaring to the top of the table after a comprehensive 2-nil victory over Adelaide United.
Substitutes Trudy Camilleri and Ashleigh Connor netted two outstanding goals to secure all three points for the home side.
Playing in front of the Bluetongue Stadium faithful for the first time the Central Coast side displayed a vast variety of skills showcasing the high quality of women-s football in the domestic game.
The match got off to a sluggish start as a drizzle fell steadily over Bluetongue Stadium and both sides struggled to get into the match early.
Indeed it was the visitors from the South Australian capital who looked likely to open the scoring with a long range shot from Georgia Chapman forcing Mariners ‘keeper Jillian Loyden to make a fine save in the 26th minute.
Loyden was called into action again four minutes later when a free kick from 22 yards dipped viciously forcing her to tip it onto the bar. It was to prove Adelaide-s best scoring chance of the match.
The save appeared to spur the Mariners into action as the tempo increased noticeably from this point on. Teresa Polias did everything but beat the keeper in the 35th minute and an opportunistic header from Renee Rollason almost brought the ultimate reward five minutes later.
Immediately following the half-time break the home side increased the tempo of the match noticeably. The midfield in particular began to press forward and Adelaide had no answer.
Lydia Vandenbergh pounced on a dropped ball from Adelaide Keeper Sian McLaren but her shot was blocked by some desperate cover defence.
It was just the start of a series of scoring chances for the home side. Jenna Kinsgley made a strong run in the 50th minute forcing a corner in the process, Vandenbergh was denied again in the 58th minute. Michelle Heyman hit the post only seconds later before Kingsely was denied for a second time.
Substitute Trudy Camilleri netted a goal in the 74rd minute to give the home side a deserved lead. It was an outstanding goal as she managed to get her shot away despite losing her balance at the crucial moment.
Vandenbergh was looking dangerous every time she touched the ball and a well timed cross in the 88th minute found and unmarked Connor who doubled the score for the home side.
Connor-s volley from 20 yards off the left foot was the icing on the cake of a dominant period for the home side.
The Central Coast side continued to press forward in the dying minutes but were unable to net a third goal. Contributions across the park were outstanding for the home team.
Central Coast head coach Stephen Roche was very happy with the performance of his team.
“We started the match slowly but after the first 20 minutes it began to look like we wanted to play football.
“I thought the two finishes were outstanding particularly Trudy-s who showed commitment to get that shot away under pressure.
“I thought everyone played well today, which, is pleasing as it causes more selection headaches for me. It-s good to see everyone fighting for squad berths.
“We-ve got Brisbane next week and that will be a challenge but we-re looking forward to it.
“Top of the table after two rounds, I can-t ask for more than that but the real challenge is to stay there,” said Roche.
Lydia Vandenbergh echoed her coach-s sentiments.
“The conditions were a bit wet out there today but it was great playing at our home stadium in front of our fans.
“We needed to step up in the second half and I think we did a good job of that,” said Vandenbergh.
Speaking about her cross which led to the important second goal Vandenbergh said:
“I knew if I could get the ball behind the defence we had a good chance of getting a second goal.
“I thought we controlled the game in the second half but as we play more together we are going to keep improving,” Vandenbergh said.
The Central Coast Westfield W-League side is next in action against Brisbane Roar next Sunday 18th October at Ballymore. Kick-off is a 6:00pm.
Match Details
Central Coast Mariners: 1. Jilian LOYDEN (gk), 2. Caitlin COOPER (c), 4. Rachael DOYLE, 7. Teresa POLIAS, 8. Kelly GOLEBIOWSKI, 9. Renee ROLLASON (13. Trudy CAMILLERI 66-), 10. Kendall FLETCHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN (14. Ashleigh CONNOR 75-), 12. Samantha SPACKMAN, 16. Jenna KINGSLEY ( 5. Jessica SEAMAN 88-), 19. Lydia VANDENBERGH.
Unused Subs 20. Rachel COOPER (GK)
Yellow Cards Cooper 78-
Red Cards None
Goals Camilleri 74-, Connor 87-
Adelaide United: 1. Sian MCLAREN (gk) (c), 2. Ebony WEIDENBACH, 3. Renee HARRISON, 7. Racheal QUIGLEY, 9. Angela FIMMANO, 10. Marijana RAJCIC (12. Katerina BEXIS 83-), 11. Georgia CHAPMAN, 14. Donna COCKAYNE, 15. Tenneille BOALER (13. Lauren CHILVERS 64-), 17. Karina ROWETH, 18. Rochelle KUHAR.
Unused Subs 6. Thomai KEZIOS, 20. Kristy HARVEY (GK).
Yellow Cards Cockayne 7-
Red Cards None
Goals None
Referee Kate JACEWICZ
