It was a spectacular match at Judy master’s oval on Sunday afternoon, as hosts Balgownie Rangers battled it out for an action packed 3 – 0 win over Thirroul Thunderbirds.

The match instantly saw action as Thirroul found themselves on the back foot as early as the second minute. After Teisha McKenzie found herself in an opening, she sent a well-placed shot past Thirroul’s keeper Shahne Hocking finding the back of the net, giving Balgownie the early advantage.

Conceding early seemed to fuel the Thunderbirds; both teams were physical on the ball and equally just as promising in attack. The Thunderbirds were yet to create a decent shot on target until Kirsten Ward’s speedy run out wide whipped the ball just over the top corner of the goal in the 11^th minute.

Balgownie almost doubled their lead in the 28^th minute when McKenzie sent a high cross for Caitilin Cardwell to gracefully control and place a well-timed half volley hitting the top left corner post falling back into play for the Thunderbird defence to clear.

Minutes later, the Rangers bagged a second when Mariah Peever crossed a spectacular ball into McKenzie to pull off an outstanding header, evading Hocking’s reach putting Balgownie two ahead.

As the second half commenced, Thunderbirds’ keeper Hocking shut down a close opportunity for Balgownie, pulling off a diving save at the feet of Peever just moments before she could shoot.

Balgownie’s backline looked composed on the ball finding plenty of time and space, stringing together numerous attacking plays and dominating possession in the Thunderbird’s half.

Balgownie were looking to build on their lead as we headed towards full time. Their advantage was extended 5 minutes from time when Ashleigh Anderson’s magnificent long shot from the corner of the 18-yard box, perfectly lofted beating the reach of Hocking to find the back of the net making it 3-0 to Balgownie.

Thirroul were resigned to defeat as the minutes ticked by with Balgownie recording a clean sheet and three goals in a good afternoon for the Rangers.

The Thunderbirds’ task doesn’t get any easier as they face off against Woonona next week and Balgownie will have a bye in round 7 of The Grange Women’s Division 1 competition.

 

Sunday 19^th May 2019 @Judy Masters Park, Corrimal

Balgownie Rangers FC – 3 (MCKENZIE 2’, 32’, ANDERSON 85’)

Thirroul Thunder – 0

Balgownie Rangers FC- Mikaylee AIR, Alicia ANDERSON, Ashleigh ANDERSON, Sophie BOURKE, Caitlin CARDWELL, Gabrielle DAVIS, Sophie HANCOCK, Emma JONES, Teisha MCKENZIE, Mariah PEEVER, Courtney RIORDAN, Aaliyah SIGABALAVU, Chelsea TASEVSKI

Thirroul Thunder- Cara BAKER, Hannah BOWEN, Claytyn GEHRKE, Mae GIBBESON, Bethany GREW, Zoe GREW, Jenna ROSE, Jamie RYAN, Chloe HOCKING, Keely MAR, Kirsten WARD, Ashleigh WALTER, Shahne HOCKING, Bryony LOOSEMORE

Referee- Anthony MCABE

Assistant Referees- Elena M, F .M

Report by Tim Dixon, on Twitter @Tim_Dixon_

Photo by Noel Wynn