Belconnen United 2 (Nicole Jalocha 5’, Gemma Murhpy 12’) def. Gungahlin United 0

Belconnen United claimed a seventh straight win to begin the season as a fast start helped see them past Gungahlin United at McKellar Park.

The dust had hardly settled on the opening moments after kickoff as the Blue Devils jumped into the lead. Early pressure forced a corner, and as the cross was swung in Nicole Jalocha was first too it and bundled the ball past Kailey Tonini and in.

The visitors had hardly settled when Belconnen went on the attack again seven minutes later, and a lovely low cross found Gemma Murphy in space in the area for her to sweep home in to the corner and double the advantage. An air of unease was apparent about Gungahlin as it seemed that the two early goals could be signs of a big score, but Diego Iglesias’ side dug in well.

Belconnen still did the majority of the attacking, but Iglesias’ side looked threatening on the counter when they took possession, and tighter at the back as the half wore on. Maddy Whittall came close once in the six-yard area but the visitors cleared well and kept the deficit at just two goals as they made it to the half-time break.

The second half began in a similar manner to the first with the hosts pushing forward, but once more Gungahlin continued to hold, withy Ruby Gambale and Maddy Perceval impressive in the middle of the backline.

Clear-cut chances were not forthcoming for Belconnen but the pressure was there, with Gungahlin pinned back for much of the second stanza. Tonini’s role was mostly limited to mopping up despite a few dangerous balls into the area, and the game fizzled out with the Blue Devils running out 2-0 winners.

Gungahlin will now take on the Academy on Saturday evening next week, while Belconnen meet struggling Tuggeranong at Kambah on Sunday.