Southern Branch AAW Reserve Grade were in action on Sunday, with the long road trip to Mills Park, Asquith, to face league leaders Northern Tigers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The last time the two sides met it was a 7-1 trouncing to the Tigers, although Southern were extremely under-strength on that occasion.
Southern were full of confidence after taking a point away from Sydney Olympic last week, and with a host of returning players from suspension and holiday across the club, the ladies took the paddock with a point to prove.
From the outset it was apparent that both sides were looking at playing an entertaining brand of football. Neither side were able to gain the upper hand for long periods of the half.
The Southern defence of Melanie Leedham, Autumn Ford, Kaela Wakeford and Tallara Hamilton were up for the challenge, and easily repelled any attacking raid, giving goalkeeper Amanda Carney a comfortable start to the match.
With midfield trio Peta Cottington, captain Alex Stronach and Rachael Cowin combining well, this allowed attackers Kellie Brown, Sharna Boughton and Emma Searle the chance to cause discomfort to the Tigers defence. However, some questionable offside calls were thwarting any real chance Southern had to take the lead.
As has happened on a few occasions this year, minor lapses in concentration have resulted in conceding quick goals. A free kick to Southern in their defensive half was turned over in a strong attacking position for the Tigers. Southern were not quick enough to react and after 31 minutes the Tigers took the lead from close range.
The goal to the hosts took a bit of wind out of the Southern side, and a goalmouth scramble three minutes later, in which Southern had at least 4 chances to clear the ball, handed the Tigers with a second goal and a 2-0 halftime lead.
The second half was played much the way of the first, with neither side wanting to give an inch to the other. Southern were forced into 2 early changes in the second half, Autumn Ford succumbing to a groin strain and Sharna Boughton succumbing to illness. This saw the introduction of Bec Stanley and U/17 player Dom Palmer.
With 15 minutes remaining on the clock, coach Michael Clout went to his final substitution on the bench, regular goalkeeper Miriam Bartlett was given the opportunity to play as centre forward, replacing the departing Emma Searle.
Bartlett caused the Tigers no end of stress in the closing stages, creating chance after chance. However as the time ran down, so did the chance for Southern to take anything from the match. An unlucky 2-0 loss, but definitely a corner turned in the girl’s season.
Coach Michael Clout was extremely pleased with his side post match. “After going down 7-1 last time, it was imperative we put in a solid performance and show that we aren’t pushovers. We did that and proved we will be a thorn in any teams side over the closing rounds.”