In one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes of the Women’s Premier League season, Boroondara Eagles came out on top, triumphing 1-0 over Bundoora United to consolidate their spot atop the WPL table.
In chilly conditions at Hillsview Reserve, Kayla Michaels’ strike proved the difference in the first versus second clash in the state’s north.
Both sides entered the match knowing how much was at stake and it showed in the early stages; the match a real midfield battle for the first 10 minutes.
With the first chance of note came the opening – and ultimately decisive – goal, and it fell the way of the Eagles.
Having held possession for a minute, Boroondara attacked down the left flank through Aleisha Newman, before she cut in and passed to Sarah Jacobs, who found Michaels in space on the right.
Michaels then steadied, before firing high into the top right corner of the net, past Bethany Mason-Jones.
The game instantly became livelier, as Bundoora attempted to raise the tempo in search of an equaliser.
Jess Tay needed to be smart on 20 minutes, coming to the rescue for the visitors with a last-ditch challenge to dispossess Rachel Alonso who had found herself in behind the Boroondara defence.
Livewire Lisa De Vanna then made her presence known, with a shot from range, however it was straight at Alondra Villa in goal for the Eagles.
After 28 minutes, the Matildas skipper made it a lot more difficult for Villa, tearing through the defence with a mazy run, before striking on her left from 25-yards, forcing the keeper to athletically tip the ball onto the crossbar.
It was becoming a fascinating battle between the pair and Villa again had to be at her best to deny De Vanna, this time from all of six-yards, before the ball bounced around and was ultimately chipped over the bar by Elvanna Curo.
Villa was having one of the games of the season, and again had to be smart to deny Curo, following a stunning through ball by Enza Barilla.
Despite knocking at the door all half, Bundoora entered the break a goal down.
The second half began as the first had developed, with Villa denying Bundoora once more.
Following a dangerous corner which she parred away, the ball fell to De Vanna, who on the half-volley forced the Eagles’ custodian into a sharp left-handed save, before Curo hit the post on the follow up.
Despite the constant attack, Bundoora nearly went two down midway through the half, and had Daniella Galluccio to thank, the defender clearing a shot off the line after Mason-Jones had been beaten.
Following this, the game became a midfield battle once again, as Boroondara began to take control of the football.
Both teams began to counter-attack as the clock ticked down, but neither would create another clear cut chance, as the Eagles held on to a crucial three points, to go five points clear at the top with two games in hand.
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Bundoora United 0 defeated by Boroondara Eagles 1 (Michaels 11′) at Hillsview Reserve [HT: 1-0]
Bundoora United: 1: Bethany MASON-JONES (GK), 12: Daniella GALLUCCIO, 10: Gulcan KOCA, 9: Tha-Tay VLAJNIC, 23: Jessica PITTS, 16: Louisa BISBY, 14: Rachel ALONSO, 7: Enza BARILLA, 3: Lisa DE VANNA, 8: Elvanna CURO (33: Padiki DADE 65’), 17: Stacey PAPADOPOLOUS (11: Jessica AU 56’)
Unused Substitute(s): 18: Hailee MISITI, 21: Claudia DIMASI, 30: Diana BOASA
Yellow Card(s): None
Red Card(s): None
Boroondara Eagles: 100: Alondra VILLA (GK), 31: Rani CAVARRETIA, 5: Sky JENSEN 9: Alex GUMMER, 52: Aimee MEDWIN, 55: Jess TAY (17: Emma HUBBARD 75’), 11: Aleisha NEWMAN (50: Lucy JOHNSTONE), 15: Amy JACKSON, 7: Taryne BOUDREAU (88: Kayo KUGIMIYA 86’), 2: Sarah JACOBS, 51: Kayla MICHAELS.
Unused Substitute(s): 1: Freya CROCKER (GK), 10: Emma GROSS
Yellow Card(s): None
Red Card(s): None