Box Hill United secured a second win in a row, as they triumphed over Heidelberg United 1-0 at Olympic Village on Saturday afternoon.
The game was split by a powerful effort by the in-form centre forward Melanie Camilleri, who decided the contest in the first half.
Rain fell in temperate spurts across the 90 minutes after play was earlier forced onto Heidelberg’s second pitch.
The change of scenery nor the downpour seemed to dampen the spirits of a healthy crowd, who packed in under the rafters to take in the action.
Cristina Cardaci was dazzling down the supporter backed right flank, and she teased an expectant crowd early with a mazy run and cut back in the first minute.
Bergers keeper Kelsey Quinn claimed that ball, as she was again forced to five minutes later, clambering low to claim a loose ball off the boot of Camilleri.
Two of the league’s best shot-stoppers were on show; at the other end, Melissa Barbieri kept herself busy by comfortably claiming a Christy Zwolski volley, and Ellie Gavalas effort soon after.
Ellie Brush was imposing once again in the centre of midfield, and she got a chance to test Quinn in the first half, but her deflected strike was read well by the American, who readjusted to claim confortably.
Heidelberg’s attacking midfielder Julia Nicolaci has been in equally impressive form this campaign, and it was her deft touch which started a move that she finished on the end of.
Her touch, turn and first time lofted ball down the line freed up Belinda Pannella, who had the awareness to look back inboard for Nicolaci, but the number 10 didn’t get the required power behind her effort.
Camilleri, keen to show the crowd how it’s done, was ruthless with her chance in the 34th minute, as she opened the scoring with a blasted shot from just inside the area.
A defensive spill was capitalised on by Cardaci on the left flank, who squared up for Camilleri to hit home emphatically.
The winger once again worked the flank to set up a teammate, but the midfielder wasted her chance by blasting just over from the penalty spot.
Barbieri ensured the work wasn’t all in vein with a stunning diving save off Pannella’s cross goal shot just minutes before the half-time whistle.
The rain somewhat inappropriately decided to head into the rooms with the players, as it halted, then recommenced at the resumption of play.
It played its part on the contest, as mistakes become more frequent, and passing chains rarely stretched past one hands worth of counting.
Madelaine Richardson made the switch from right-back to holding midfield in the second half, and she was a standout through the middle of the park.
She came close to extending Box Hill’s lead after running down the Heidelberg defence, winning the ball and striking towards the top corner, only for Quinn to once again tip wide with a wonder save.
Brush tried her luck with a 30-yard set piece, such was the confidence in the Pythagoras camp, but it all should’ve come crashing down with under 20 minutes to play.
Bergers winger Zwolski was offered way too much space on the ball, as she nonchalantly waltzed into the box, past two defenders before going high, wide and handsome with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The hosts had a sniff, and went for blood, as they launched an assault on a share of the spoils, and a little spill from Barbieri looked to be the ticket back into the contest.
But Box Hill were valiant, and defended their exposed goal with gusto, with Heidelberg unable to get the ball past the last line.
Nicolaci again tried her luck from range, and her dipping effort forced Barbieri to claw away from just under the crossbar.
Box Hill held on for a big three points, which launches them closer to finals football, while Heidelberg continued on with their inconsistent start in the league.
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Heidelberg United: 1. Kelsey QUINN (GK), 2. Demi MIHALOUDIS (8. Emma GUNN 74’), 4. Michelle VERZI (c), 9. Belinda PANNELLA (7. Maggie EUDES 68’), 10. Julia NICOLACI, 13. Adelyn AYTON, 15. Lisa FONUA, 16. Stef GALJAR, 19. Christy ZWOLSKI, 22. Ellie GAVALAS, 24. Christina MANCUSO (11. Aneta KOMIJAT 62’)
Unused Substitute(s): 5. Elly TORRE, 40. Hannah RYAN
Yellow Card(s): Pannella 53′
Red Card(s): Nil
Box Hill United: 11. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 6. Rennee ZAIRIS, 14. Georgia KOUTROUVELIS (9. Letizia SAMMUT 45’), 21. Cristina CARDACI, 8. Melanie CAMILLERI, 12. Angie RASSIAS, 16. Demitra KALLIANIS (2. Elaina VATKY 66’), 18. Annie REMMAN, 32. Penny BAKOPOULOS, 4. Madelaine RICHARDSON, 7. Ellie BRUSH
Unused Substitute(s): 23. Alexandra AMORE, 10. Elise KYRGIOS
Yellow Card(s): Rassias 78’
Red Card(s): Nil