Image Courtesy: Vikki McGregor
In the absence of a Friday night match, the Vipers and Heidelberg United kicked off round 14 with a bang at Epsom Huntly Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
The Vipers were in the match early and fought hard with some good attacking chances against the strong Heidelberg defence. The Vipers had a penalty and two good chances on goal, but were unable to get them past the Heidelberg keeper, Katie Neville.
In the dying minutes of the first half, Heidelberg United's Melanie Camilleri got the ball, turned and got the shot off past four Vipers players to score the first goal of the match.
The Vipers came out in the second half and were a bit down on confidence, and tired as the match went on. Heidelberg continued to pressure the defence of the Vipers, who weren't giving up, but mid-way through the second half, Julie Nicolacci got the ball 30 yards out and lobbed the Vipers keeper, Kristen O'Connor, and gave Heidelberg United the win, 2-0.
Vipers Coach Peter Richardson was disappointed with how the Vipers played.
"We played pretty well in the first half, but not so well in the second. We ran out of steam. We needed to be at our best for the whole time, and to be competitive. We couldn't keep the ball in the second half- just couldn't get it into our attack."
Heidelberg United Coach John Lioupas was pleased with the result.
"I'm pretty happy with it, it was a good hit out. It was a difficult game and the Vipers did really well - that was the best Vipers side they've put out against us I think.
"We were determined for a result and we stuck to it."
South Melbourne hosted Casey Comets on Sunday afternoon at McIvor Reserve in what were great conditions for football. Unfortunately it didn't translate into a high scoring affair, but there were some great chances fired off early in the match.
Casey's keeper Emma Bracken was tested early, but made some great saves, while at the other end, Alexandra Gummer was causing Sarah McKeon some hassles, but the first half ended with the keepers unbeaten.
The second half opened with both sides having chances, but were again unable to score. South Melbourne's Laura Spiranovic was on the end of a great pass in the box, but was judged offside, while Casey's Nicola Prins and Talia Silvestros made some good attacks, but the defence of South Melbourne held up under pressure and cleared the ball without too much trouble.
In the end, neither side could break the deadlock, despite numerous chances, and ended up sharing the points.
Casey Comets Coach Deb Nichols said that there was some improvement since last week, but there is still a way to go if they want to make finals.
"It was a frustrating game. I thought we shaded it on the day overall, but we lacked that killer touch. Unfortunately we didn't take our chances and it was that sort of a game really, one goal was going to win it.
"South worked hard, as you would expect from a side that needs a few more points to stay out of a relegation battle. They did sit back on us in the second half, which gave our midfield more possession, but we couldn't capitalise."
South Melbourne Assistant Coach Matthew Shaw said that the match was hard fought and even.
"It was a real battle. Neither side got many shots away on target. The forwards battled hard, but didn't have the time and space to fire off dangerous shots. Our midfield and defence did well. There were a few opportunities that we sprayed.
"I was pleased we came out of the match with a clean sheet and one point. The point gives us a little breathing space."
Sunday's other match was an enthralling battle between Preston Lions, a team keen to avoid relegation, and Ashburton, a side that needed three points to snatch back third spot.
Preston were up against it, having lost to Ashburton 6-0 in their other match in 2010, however they knew they had to keep Ashburton out of the box, and were successful in doing that in the first half.
Both sides struggled to create real scoring opportunities in the first half, and defenders were easily able to snub out forward moves.
After a somewhat uneventful first half, the second was all about attack. Preston scored first in the 46th minute via Joanna Meletis, who lobbed Ingrid Phillipe, and they had their second soon after when Sarah Sumner's shot snuck in and Preston were looking like they might have pulled off one of the upsets of 2010.
However Ashburton increased their effort, and scored through Christine Pfeiffer in the 69th minute after a scramble in the box. In the 93rd minute, Preston were holding Ashburton well and looked like they had done enough, but Rachel Lamb got off a shot, and Elly Curo put it in, giving the Preston defenders no chance.
Preston Lions Coach Spiro Thalassinos was disappointed that Preston couldn't hold on for the win.
"I'm bitterly disappointed. We went in defensively because of the 6-0 loss last time, and we cut out their set plays. We matched it well with them, scored two really good goals, and it was a good group effort. They came back hard, and we just tried to stay disciplined and we pushed for a third. We're disappointed that we lost the three points."
Ashburton Coach Chris Michail said that Ashburton never really got out of first gear.
"All credit to Preston - you could tell they were hungry. They scored their two goals, and we upped the pressure, but we weren't hungry or good enough. They deserved the points because of their work rate. It shows how even the league is and all credit to Spiro - he's drilled them well. We need to lift if we want to be a contender in finals."
The final match took place on Monday evening at Kingston Heath between first placed Box Hill Inter and third placed Sandringham.
Both sides wanted the three points in the cool conditions and it was Box Hill Inter who were on the board first, through Aleksandra Sinclair in the fifth minute and then Deanna Niceski scored in the 38th minute after a great through ball from Natalie Exon.
Sandringham were competitive, with Emma Runnalls getting free of her opponents on multiple occasions, however her side was unable to capitalise in the half.
A much tighter second half awaited Box Hill, who were unable to add to the 2-0 scoreline. Sandringham tired in the second half and the pressure of the Box Hill defence stopped any creative attacks. Sandringham unfortunately could not get the ball past Melissa Barbieri, and it was the ladder leaders, Box Hill Inter, who came out on top, 2-0.
Box Hill Inter Coach Jeff Hawkins was happy with the outcome.
"I thought we could have had a couple more goals in the first half, but it was really competitive in the second. We tired a bit in the second half and it took its toll. Both sides played well and it was a tough match."
Sandringham Coach Shaun Parton said that Box Hill played better than they did.
"We were beaten by the better team on the day. Any team that can beat Box Hill will probably win the Premier League.
"We continued to be competitive throughout the match but unfortunately good players punish your errors."
At the end of round 14, not much has changed in the top half of the WPL ladder. Box Hill Inter are three points clear of Heidelberg United, followed by Sandringham and Ashburton. Casey Comets are outside the four, but are now six points behind Ashburton and will need to win everything from here if they want to make finals. South Melbourne and the Vipers are locked on 12 points and their finals dreams are looking slim. Preston Lions are one point clear of Altona City, who missed round 14 with the bye, and both sides need to be careful in their last four matches.
For full results, please visit the Competitions section of the website.
Last updated: Tuesday July 27, 2010 12:53PM
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