The Builders Club Women’s Division 1 – Round 6 wrap

Albion Park moved six points clear of the chasing pack with yet another win this weekend, though Woonona restricted the champions to just four goals, their lowest tally of the season. Below them, the league as a whole is much more competitive and unpredictable this season, with most teams struggling to string even two wins together.

Round 7 will see the third week in a row with the top four playing each other, which means a third chance for those four teams at the bottom to pick up vital points before we reach the halfway stage.

And six rounds in, we now have just two players who have managed to score in every match so far. What an achievement for Uni’s Kristen Gorgieski and Albion Park’s Casey-Leigh Suttle.

Albion Park 4-0 Woonona

Albion Park made it six wins from six, and Casey-Leigh Suttle scored her 10^th goal in six matches, as the champions overcame a plucky Woonona side, who were still in it at 1-0 after the first forty five.

Last season’s top scorer Brittany Ring also scored again, but the headline act this week saw a new name on the scoresheet as ex-NPLW player Kristina Glisic bagged a brace (one either side of the break).

Woonona coach Mick Sutton was pleased his players ‘took the game to them’ rather than sitting back and waiting for the onslaught. But he was missing a number of key players, so he’ll be hoping for a full squad for both next weekend’s State Cup fixture, and the rearranged R7 tie against University, a vital game which could have a massive bearing on places in the end-of-season Finals.

 

Balgownie Rangers 1-2 Thirroul

A dramatic first half at Judy Masters Oval saw all three goals and a red card. Balgownie had started the strongest and took the lead in 4 minutes (through Isobel Humphries), but a handball on the line meant marching orders for Alicia Anderson ten minutes later, and a penalty converted by Zoe Grew. Grew notched her second just before the break. The second half was goalless, even though Balgownie played the last 20 minutes with only nine, due to injuries.

Tina Siskoska’s side leap-frogged Balgownie into sixth spot with this win, and she was delighted to get the three points: “With four girls out due to injuries and sickness, our youth graders stepped up and are just excelling in their performances”. Next up for Thirroul is a visit from Russell Vale Black.

Balgownie coach Earle Canvin also had players missing, but he was particularly proud of his team’s efforts, with two girls doubling up from division 2, and the difficulty playing long periods without 11 players on the pitch. “We were extremely unlucky not to get something out of the game”. Balgownie go to Fernhill next week.

 

Russell Vale Black 2-1 Fernhill FC

Former Stingray Jasmin Pearce and substitute Deborah Wilson got the goals that saw Russell Vale bounce back from three successive defeats to beat Fernhill. Fernhill now prop up the ladder after failing to back up last week’s win. Their goal came from Lisa Paton.

Russell Vale team manager Leah Carlton was pleased with the win, especially with players missing this week. “It could have been more, especially from Belinda Barter, who saw four or five of her thundering shots saved by their keeper. But the girls are having fun, and that’s our aim this year.”

For Fernhill coach Josh Sebben, this was his side’s worst performance of the season. “We were unrecognisable on the field. A defensive error cost us a point in a game where we should have come away with all three”. His side usually performs better at home, so he’ll be looking for better fortunes next week at home to Balgownie.

Russell Vale will be looking to close the gap on the top four next week, when they take on Thirroul. They have the experience to push on after getting back to winning ways, and know they have the ability having beaten high-flying Uni earlier in the campaign.

 

University 2-0 Kiama Quarriers

University replaced Kiama in second spot on the ladder with this vital 2-0 win at Kooloobong Oval on Sunday. Kristen Gorgieski notched her eighth goal of the campaign, and she was joined on the scoresheet by captain Elise Battin, who made it three from six outings.

Uni coach Brod Crighton picked out his captain, along with Edith Meli and Lexi Carter, as key players on the day. He was especially pleased to get a result with six players missing, and now has to deal with the absence of Autumn Ford, after the left back picked up a knee injury.

“Kiama are a strong side both physically and with the ball at their feet,” he said. “Our midfield created many openings up front. I’d just like to see more shots on target when we get those chances.” And he’ll need his front line to be accurate and on form when his side take on Woonona in Round 7 (date to be fixed due to State Cup action next weekend).

For Kiama, this was a missed opportunity to make it three wins on the bounce, and they are now up against the biggest challenge of them all, with a visit to Terry Reserve to take on Albion Park. This match will take place on Wednesday 23 March, due to cup action next weekend.