Image: Rachel Bach
The opening weekend of NPLW action saw Calder United get their title defence underway with a big 6-1 win over an understrength NTC, Box Hill and Galaxy recorded 3-0 victories over South Melbourne and Heidelberg respectively, while there were first-up draws for Southern United/Alamein and Bayside/Bulleen.
Southern United FC 1 v Alamein FC 1
Southern United and Alamein FC got the 2017 NPLW season off and running at Lawton Park Reserve on Saturday afternoon. Rebecca Saber opened the scoring for new coaches Rob Giabardo and Bill Mihaloudis in the 43rd minute allowing them to take a 1-0 lead in the break, a moment custodian Erin Hudson would rather forget, while Kelsey Minton put the game back on level terms in the 79th minute.
Southern will be without shot-stopper Christine Fonua who saw red after denying Cristina Cardaci in on goal, as they take on Senior NTC on Saturday.
Geelong Galaxy United FC 3 v Heidelberg United 0
Galaxy got their season off to a positive start with a 3-0 over Heidelberg United on home turf in Melissa Barbieri’s coaching debut. Three first half goals proved to be the difference on the scoreboard. The prolific Leigh Gray came back to haunt her old club, netting from Kariah White’s assist, Caitilin Pickett netted from a set piece, while Laura Spiranovic slotted home a penalty after a foul from former teammate Sky Jensen. Emily Kenshole started in the absence of Kelsey Quinn from the Galaxy roster, but there was also a sour note when Coby McInerney went down with what could be a long-term knee injury.
Laura Phillips notched up two yellow cards and was sent from the field for the visitors mid-way through the second half, who were still without a host of big names due to injuries and international duty.
Box Hill United 3 v South Melbourne FC 0
Box Hill and South Melbourne faced off at Wembley Park where Box Hill registered the three points defeating South Melbourne 3-0, going some way to rectifying the early-season struggles that plagued their 2016 campaign. Box Hill edged ahead after nine minutes as Melanie Camilleri headed toward goal past Molly-May Ramsay. The home side were able to extend their lead shortly before half time as Kristina Hall finished from a distance. Elaina Vatcky rounded out the scoring finding the net in injury time.
South, in their first NPLW appearance, will be ruing hitting the woodwork numerous times but also the good work of Box Hill debutant goalkeeper Alyssa Dall’Oste, with the 15-year-old also holding firm to keep a clean sheet.
Senior NTC 1 v Calder United SC 6
Calder United opened their title defence on a high with a staggering 6-1 win over the NTC. Emma Meckfessel managed a hat trick, comprised of a long-range effort and sealed with a penalty, while teammates Cindy Lay, Dani Gudelj and Jessica Au added to United’s tally who were too clinical in the front third. Alina Zahovic secured the only goal for Senior NTC.
Bayside United 2 v Bulleen United FC 2
Bayside and Bulleen shared the points in a 2-2 draw as they closed out round one of the season on Kingston Heath’s main pitch. Bayside took the lead early via a former Alamein duo in the opening minutes as Sienna Fogarty found the net from a set piece, with the hosts doubling their lead through Amy Malander in the 21st minute.
A couple of W-League names then made a late impact on Paul Kilpatrick’s Bulleen debut as coach as the side clawed their way back into the match when Alex Natoli opened their account in the 75th minute, while Liv Ellis put the teams back on level terms shortly before the final whistle.
