The Builders Club Women’s Division 1 – Round 3 Wrap

Woonona’s Sinead Bailey and University’s Kristen Gorgieski joined Albion Park strikers Brittany Ring, Rylee McGartland and Casey-Leigh Suttle in making it three matches from three that their names appeared on the scoresheet.

Albion Park also pulled two points clear of the chasing pack, recording yet another 6-0 win, while Woonona dropped points at Balgownie. Thirroul secured a first win of the season over Kiama, and while Fernhill remain pointless at the foot of the ladder, this weekend’s scoreline against a useful University side will give hope to Josh Sebben’s team.

Balgownie Rangers 1-1 Woonona J

For the second week in a row, Balgownie Rangers came up against a side which made the Finals in 2017 and once again more than held their own, with another 1-1 draw. It leaves the Rangers second from bottom of the ladder on two points from three games, but will have helped build confidence in Earle Canvin’s squad that they can match some of the best teams in the region.

Canvin was particularly pleased with his team’s defensive play: “The back five played as a unit, and we look forward to next week’s challenge” (against high-scoring University).

For Woonona, this was probably a disappointing result as they tried to keep pace with ladder leaders Albion Park. Sinead Bailey scored again, her fourth goal in three games. But Woonona will need a win next week against Russell Vale to stay in touch with the leaders.

 

Fernhill FC 2-3 University

Emilia Skopal scored twice for Fernhill, one at the end of each half, but it wasn’t enough to earn her side its first points of the season. There were lots of positives for coach Josh Sebben, though: “Although disappointed to have chalked up another loss, we managed to play some of our best football so far this season. Players are starting to come back into the squad and there is real confidence in the camp around what the team is capable of.” Nothing short of victory next weekend (away at Kiama) will be enough, said Sebben.

The goals keep on coming when University takes to the field, with another high-scoring game to keep fans entertained. Three rounds of football have now produced 18 goals in University’s games (11 for, 7 against), and Brod Crighton’s side were back to winning ways at Fernhill.

Kristen Gorgieski scored her fifth goal in three matches, and was joined on the scoresheet this weekend by Elise Battin and Georgina McDonnell.

Crighton was pleased to come away with the three points: “Our girls played really well, pushing the ball through midfield and using the width well. Kristen scored a cracking goal, but Fernhill played exceptionally well”, he said, singling out Kate Sebben from his opponent’s line-up.

 

Russell Vale Black 0-6 Albion Park

Albion Park recorded another 6-0 win, this time at the expense of Russell Vale Black. As the goals keep on coming for last season’s champions, an interesting race seems to have started for who might claim the Albion Park golden boot at the end of the season. Rylee McGartland made it six goals from three matches this weekend, while Casey-Leigh Suttle nabbed her fifth, and last season’s top scorer Brittany Ring continued her goal-a-game for 2018, bringing her tally to three from the opening three Rounds.

Next up for Albion Park is a visit from Thirroul.

Russell Vale team manager Leah Carlton acknowledged her side had a slow start and were quickly 2-0 down to scrappy goals, “but once we found our shape, we kept them scoreless for most of the second half and we moved the ball around well”.

On Albion Park, Carlton had this to say: “They’re a strong team with some good young players coming through, which is great for soccer in the area”.

 

Thirroul 2-1 Kiama Quarriers

Thirroul kick-started its 2018 season with a first win, against a Kiama team which made the Finals in 2017.

Coach Tina Siskoska was delighted with the win: “The girls are improving every week and this was our best performance yet. We created more chances than in previous games, but didn’t capitalise on all of them. We were solid at the back, though, with Claytyn Gehrke a standout.” Siskoska also picked out Taneesha Nye, a Youth team player making her debut at this level. Siskoska herself, and Bethany Grew, scored the Thirroul goals.

Next up is the toughest test yet, though, with a trip to Albion Park next Sunday.

Katie French scored her third of the season for Kiama, but this was a disappointing result for the Quarriers, who were looking to push on after going unbeaten in the opening two Rounds. Kiama coach Umberto Sorrentino said his side never settled and he’d be ‘looking for more hunger next week’.

Next week’s tie against Fernhill is vital for both clubs’ momentum, so could be the match to watch in Round 4.

Report by Simon Duffin

Photo courtesy of Dylan Arvela