Mushroom soup 08.06.2014 Unicol first took on Wanderers back in April in their very first match of the season in a sweltering 28 degree heat. That game resulted in a 1-1 draw, with Unicol scoring what Wanderers referred to in their match report as ‘a scrappy goal to equalize’. Two months down the track and the Unicol girls have developed their game as a team substantially to remain unbeaten after 7 rounds of competition.
Unicol met Wanderers again on Sunday - this time on our own home turf- and were hungry for revenge and determined to put 110% effort into the game (very little drinking was had the night before).
Even with some great passages of play, wicked shots on goal and a great support crew made up of players partners and fellow Unicol club members, the girls were disappointingly upset by Wanderers 3-0 in an aggressive and nail-biting grudge match.
Both teams came out hard, and after 10 minutes of scrappy play, Unicol settled down into their controlled style of play to dominate the first half with their skilful 1-2 passing. They had at least half a dozen good scoring opportunities early on which they were unfortunately unable to capitalise on. Wanderers created just a couple of half-assed scoring opportunities which were spectacularly saved by Unicol’s star goal keeper Waddles!
In the second half Wanderers attempted to repeat the clever back heel shot (used by star Unicol striker Erin to equalize with Wanderers in their first encounter in April), but without success due to the quick reaction of star goalie Waddles.
Unicol had several great shots on goals in the second half- A cracker shot by high school student Sarathavy aimed at the top left hand corner was narrowly nudged out by the goalie; a stunning shot from Konagh from outside the box frustratingly hit the post; and a full-power shot from Megan was deflected off just above the bar; and an absolute stomper of shot from 20m out almost smashed the crossbar into little bits. Unicol and Waikato womens B division top-goal-scorer Erin also had her fair share of shots on goal throughout the game, but was unable to add to her tally of scoring in every game this season.
As usual, mid fielder speedster Konagh ran her heart out to win the ball and create numerous opportunities for the forwards.
Some fabulous legal slide tackles were made by Rebecca, Ash and Robyn who worked hard on the back line to shut the attack down time and time again and feed the ball forward.
Some great plays also came from striker Sharleen, who began putting her great training skills into practice on the field!
Ruth worked hard to piss the opposition off with her slightly aggressive tackles which saw a couple of freekicks awarded against her, but managed to get a yellow card awarded to a Wanderers player who obviously got frustrated with Ruth and pulled on her shirt to try slow her down.
Rebecca and Laura had recovered well from their big night out on Thursday to play hard and contribute well to the game.
Player of the Day went to Louisa who worked tirelessly up and down the wing throughout the game, helping to defend as well as create opportunities moving the ball towards goal.
Full credit to the girls for coming out hard and determined for this game; but they were unfortunately unable to find the back of the net to put themselves on the scoreboard. It was Unicol’s first scoreless game of the season- after racking up a total of 32 goals from 7 games.
Wanderers move to the top of the table (by a mere point), but the competition is not over yet! Bring on Unicol and Wanderers final encounter later in the season -where it will hopefully be a case of the best footballing team wins. Unicol will be hungrier than ever for revenge and to regain their top-of-the-table position, as their sights are still firmly set on winning the Waikato Womens B Division Competition!
Unicol’s success so far this season is largely thanks to coach Russell Davidson who has focused on keeping the ball on the ground and improving the teams passing interplay team work and not to rely going for the glory shots to win games!
Their next match is an away game against Morrinsville, who they narrowly beat in their first encounter, with an unusual 5-4 match result.
