NPLW
ANUWFC 0 - Tuggeranong United 3
Tuggeranong United got all three points and jumped two spots on the table after defeating ANU WFC at Kambah, 3-1. The Tuggies leave the bottom place of the table they have been stuck to for weeks.
Samantha Wood highlighted all her talent on Sunday. A quarter of an hour in, she was found in the box, and in a move any striker would be jealous of, eliminated her defender before smashing the ball into Claire Joseph’s net. The ANU pushed to equalise without success and were instead punished by Wood again seconds before the break.
A free kick from the right side, taken by the forward with her left foot had the perfect trajectory, and dipped right between the crossbar and Joseph’s hands. Comfortably ahead at half time, Tuggeranong would do what it takes to keep their advantage.
Every player made defensive efforts to constantly deny the ANU’s attempts, and Paulo Romero’s team also managed to bring the danger in counterattack and by playing direct football. A lucky third goal came sealing the fate of the game.
A corner kick taken by Wood with ten minutes left dipped at the near post and was deflected into their own net by the ANU defence. Down by three goals, the visitors did not give up, instead offering the crowd one of the goals of the season. Far from her center back position, Ailish McDonagh drove the ball inside from the right wing, and armed a missile from her left foot that cleaned the cobweb in the top left corner of Amy Wiggan’s goal.
NPLW Reserves
ANUWFC 1 - Tuggeranong United 0
State League 1
No game
State League 2 Carrots
ANUWFC 1 - Canberra White Eagles 1
State League 3
ANUWFC 0 - Belnorth FC 4
Belnorth FC scored midway through the first half, however, up to that point the game was tightly contested. The task became harder when we were reduced to ten players just before half time. An ensuing free kick led to the second goal. The team has been reduced to ten players for varying periods of time in the last two games.
Given the heavy loss in the first round and going in at half time two down against the top team, a similar outcome could have been on the cards. From my perspective as coach, I am absolutely proud of the grit, determination and character shown by all to only concede two second half goals. We even created a couple of good chances as well.
The contribution from everyone was excellent, hence the whole team being my MVPs for this game.
State League 4 Runaways
ANUWFC 3 - Belsouth FC 1
State League 4 Strollers
ANUWFC 6 - ADFA 0
The scene was set for another non-Sunday match against ADFA. Not as cold as last time they met at night, the Strollers managed to avoid ice on their boots and frost on their jackets.
With several unavailable due to World Cup commitments, the team was bolstered by players from Divs 3, 5 and 6, for which we are eternally grateful.
The match commenced with the Strollers’ trademark ‘hot mess’ style of play that saw balls flying everywhere, passes not completed, and through balls that had too much gusto. As usual, though, once the team warmed up they were solid.
Passing was the name of the game and some beautiful 1-2s on the wings made light work of ADFA, despite their frankly offensive levels of youth and fitness. Super sub Isha opened the campaign with a cracking goal, followed by another one that was disallowed for offside. The VAR was down so we couldn’t check – instead gracefully allowing the ref’s call to stand and continuing. Isha proved her point by nabbing another just after half time.
Some fancy footwork in the mids saw Lauren D leaping to action off the bench and bagging two goals in the space of 3 minutes. An unlucky ADFA deflection off a massive boot from Square provided another goal shortly after.
At this point, everyone got in on the action, with the backs turning their clearing kicks into very passable cracks on goal and Carrie coming very close.
Inspired by the Matilda’s, the team had some glorious crosses in from the wings, and Clare managed to connect with a beauty from Square, rounding out the scoring for the evening to the delight of the crowd that had gathered post-training (we won’t mention the delightful cross from Kate that sailed past not one but two attackers in perfect front of goal position).
Despite CC having to do *some* work, the backline was steadfast, clearing the ball solidly, and cleaning up errant through balls. All in all, not a bad shift for a Tuesday.
BY THE NUMBERS
Score: ANUWFC 6 – ADFA 0
Shots Sarah could have taken but selflessly passed: at least 17
Number of McFlurrys consumed on the way home: several
State League 5 Braids
ANUWFC 0 - Canberra Croatia 8
State League 5 Scooters
ANUWFC 1 - Woden Valley 1
State League 6 Kartapillars
ANUWFC 0 - Belnorth FC 1
State League 6 Sharkies
ANUWFC 2 - Majura FC Mullets 1
