Heidelberg United have given the WPL finals race a big shake up, triumphing 3-1 over Sandringham SC in a game they controlled from start to finish.
First half goals to Aneta Komijat and a stunner from Ellie Gavalas had the hosts 2-0 up at the break, before another wonder goal to Julia Nicolaci had the game beyond doubt soon after.
A late goal to Annabelle Gibney made for an interesting last few minutes, but Sandringham weren’t able to find the goals they required to complete an unlikely comeback.
There’s been signs – more frequent as the weeks tick past – that this determined Bergers team are buying into Bill Mihaloudis’ game plan after a slow start to the season.
This may just be their piece de resistance so far in terms of performance, as they delivered a strong defensive game with it’s fair balance of creativity and incisiveness.
Sandringham on the other hand lacked a spark, and their performance was chalk and cheese compared to the resilience they showed in their 1-0 win against Ashburton last round.
The two teams did evenly exchange chances in the opening quarter of an hour, but it was the Bergers who settled the better of the pair.
Some good wing play saw them grab the opener on 18 minutes as a delightful ball from the right found Komijat deep at the far post.
The forward took her chance well, slotting the ball into the tiniest of spaces between the upright and keeper to break the deadlock.
Nicolaci nearly doubled the dose, getting onto the end of a Sadie Murphy cross, but her header floated over the bar and onto the roof of the net.
Once again, Sandringham were undone on the flanks, as a wicked ball from the right again found the head of Nicolaci, who rattled the crossbar only for Christie Zwolski to nod in on the rebound.
But a very narrow offside call on Zwolski ensured Sandringham got off lightly with half-time fast approaching.
They were once again reeling – and the crossbar again shaking – as Zwolski latched onto a super pass from Demi Mihaloudis with a first time volley, which hit the woodwork.
But they weren’t to be denied a deserved second as Ellie Gavalas struck with a sucker punch on the eve of half-time, collecting the ball 25-yards out and finding the top corner with her stunning drive.
Gavalas – with a newfound hunger for goals – tried her luck twice in the opening stages of the second half, but Sandringham’s keeper Ingrid Phillipe twice stood up to the test; her second save in particular requiring a top draw effort.
Emma Runnalls also tried her luck from range, and while she got the required power behind her shot, it was placed too close to Fonua in goals.
Just beyond the hour mark and Heidelberg had three, with Nicolaci once again producing a wonder goal.
The midfielder has this season developed a penchant for the spectacular, and she had everyone on their feet with a spectacular two touch effort.
A lofted cutback from Zwolski was first controlled by Nicolaci, before she unleased a top draw volley with her next touch to pick out the corner of the net, past a planted Phillipe.
The flow of the game was disrupted by a combination of injuries and substitutions, which culminated in a lull in play, bereft of clear-cut chances.
That was broken in the 80th minute, as a rare sight on goals saw Gibney execute the perfect chip shot over Fonua, which hit the upright on its way into the net.
Sandringham had finally come to play, and nearly found a second to spark the unlikely comeback, with Nicola Westwood playing in Gibney for another chance, but Fonua dived brilliantly to her left to deny her a brace.
The games final action showcased Nicolaci’s supreme confidence, afforded by her blistering form this season so far.
A cross from fullback Mihaloudis found the attacking midfielder on the edge of the area, who went for the acrobatic bicycle kick, which floated agonisingly over the bar.
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Heidelberg United 3 (Komijat 18’, Gavalas 45’, Nicolaci 63’) defeated Sandringham SC 1 (Gibney 80’) at State Football Centre [HT: 2-0]
Heidelberg United: 21. Christine FONUA (GK), 2. Demi MIHALOUDIS, 4. Michelle VERZI, 6. Laura PHILLIPS, 10. Julia NICOLACI, 11. Aneta KOMIJAT (9. Belinda PANELLA 69’), 15. Lisa FONUA, 18. Sadie MURPHY, 22. Ellie GAVALAS (13. Adelyn AYTON 83’), 38. Christy ZWOLSKI, 45. Elise MAMANU-GRAY (24. Christina MANCUSO 78’)
Unused Substitute(s): 7. Maggie EUDES
Yellow Card(s): Nil
Red Card(s): Nil
Sandringham SC: 1. Ingrid PHILLIPE, 2. Lauren DIDUSZKO, 9. Emma ROBERS, 6. Steph PARTON, 7. Kirsty SHEARING, 8. Nicola WESTWOOD, 9. Emma RUNNALLS (21. Niki Cook 70’), 10. Steph TANTI, 18. Sienna FOGARTY, 19. Annabelle GIBNEY, 20. Hannah STUART (12. Eliza Gleadell 54’)
Unused Substitute(s): 27. Simone KENNY, 24. Belinda POWELL
Yellow Card(s): Nil
Red Card(s): Nil