We were a game short this week in the Sportsmart Women’s Premier League with Ashburton’s game against Casey Comets on Sunday afternoon washed out.
Focusing on the action that we did see this weekend, Round 10 kicked off with Bundoora putting in a dominant display away from home against Box Hill on Friday night.
On the Sunday, South smashed seven past Cairnlea which included a hat-trick from Tiffany Eliadis while Heidelberg scored two of their own to defeat Boroondara Eagles, who now sit outside of the top five on goal difference.
Monday night football saw Sandy snap their three game losing streak against Monbulk with a convincing performance despite the visitors offering some sturdy resistance.
On the other side of town, Bulleen exercised their dominance against the FFV U17 Girls, scoring four goals in the first half and adding their next immediately after the restart. NTC girls though showed their potential, netting in the second half and playing some positive football.
Formation: 3-4-3
GK: Kelsey Quinn (Heidelberg United)
It was a player of the match performance between the posts for Heidelberg’s ‘keeper with an absolutely suberb game, even attracting praise from opposition coach Filipe Simao. Quinn executed some crucial and terrific saves early on in the game while Boroondara were on top, matching her shot stopping capabilities with a strong performance in the air and reliable distribution.
CB: Angie Rassias (Heidelberg United)
It was a shame the full-back limped off the ground after 57 minutes on Sunday night because the defender had put in a completely dominating display on the left. Earning a spot in our flat back three, hardly anything passed Rassias at left-back on Sunday night matched by her superb combination play when linking forward.
CB: Jackie Vogt (Bundoora United)
Vogt displayed a strong and commanding persona at the heart of defence on Friday. Repelling the majority of Box Hill’s attacks, Vogt was a major reason why Bundoora’s defence held firm away from home. She carried no responsibility for the hosts only goal which came from a turnover.
CB: Christie Parton (Sandringham SC)
A solid outing on Monday night at centre back, Parton kept Monbulk tame all night which included a brilliant covering tackle in the first half. An error at the back saw the visitors net their only goal with Parton playing no part in the incident.
LM: Enza Barilla (Bundoora United)
Two goals in an impressive display on Friday night, Barilla won her duel against Box Hill right-back Madelaine Richardson who couldn’t contain the lively winger. Her combination play with forward Rachel Alonso was also a highlight as Box Hill struggled to control the pair.
CM: Michelle Verzi (Heidelberg United)
The American pulled the strings in her side’s 2-0 victory over Boroondara Eagles on Sunday night. Opening up the hosts defence on a few occasions with some raking balls, Verzi was everywhere on the night as she kept her side ticking like a metronome.
CM: Sienna Fogarty (Sandringham SC)
The central midfielder scored an goal of her own and was everywhere in her side’s 3-1 victory over Monbulk on Monday night. In a best on ground performance, Fogarty was additionally potent in her distribution with a couple of notable and penetrating balls. Partner Hannah Stuart also had a good performance, complementing Fogarty’s class with a steely performance in midfield.
RM: Padiki Dade (Bundoora United)
Two assist off the right wing earns Dade a spot in this edition of Team of the Week. Her pinpoint crossing coupled with speed on the counter was too much to handle for Box Hill as the winger put in a solid shift against her former side.
ST: Tiffany Eliadis (South Melbourne)
Tiffany Eliadis was by far the best player on the pitch for South on Saturday afternoon, bagging a hat-trick as an ever dangerous threat. Her highlight came from a superb free-kick, blowing out the cobwebs in the top right corner.
ST: Laura Spiranovic (South Melbourne)
South’s forward must have been inspired by her brother’s performance in Brazil as she put in an equally impressive shift, albeit at the other end of the pitch. Pestering Cairnlea’s defence, Spiranovic managed a late goal after toiling for 90 minutes with an outstanding work ethic.
ST: Rachel Alonso (Bundoora United)
Alonso’s performance against Box Hill on Friday night can only be described as a class above, particularly when linking up with Barilla on the wing. Bundoora’s forward mimicked her teammates performance, with an impressive outing in front of goal of her own, netting in the 40th minute.
Substitutes:
Frances Land (Bulleen Lions)
Land would’ve been in the first eleven in any other week if it weren’t for Kelsey Quinn’s impressive display for Heidelberg. Unfortunately unable to keep a clean sheet, Bulleen’s shot stopper was in magnificent form on Monday night, maintaining her sides commanding lead as she was called into action numerous times.
Jessica Tay (Bulleen Lions)
A strong performer in her sides commanding 5-1 victory over NTC on Monday night. The box-to-box midfielder had a reasonably influential impact on the game, teeing up Emily Coppock with a brilliant cross for her side’s first. Aside from that her usual poise and composure was a highlight in Bulleen’s midfield.
Aliesha Whetham (Monbulk Rangers)
Industrious would be the word to describe the full-back’s performance. While Monbulk struggled in the middle of the park, they were clearly most dangerous on the right wing with Whetham providing plenty of width. Working up and down the pitch, often overlapping Liesl Woods, she was good at both ends of the ground, keeping the dangerous Elaina Vatcky quiet.
Adelyn Ayton (Bundoora United)
An impressive midfield distribution and a key link in Bundoora’s set up, Ayton put in an impressive display on Friday night, outgunning her opposing numbers in the midfield.
Emma Runnalls (Sandringham SC)
Sandy’s main threat up front particularly impressed when combining for the overlap against Monbulk, handing her side the lead in the second half with a strike from range. Her hold-up play was solid all night, often bringing those around her into the match.
Thanks to Bryce Clayton and Teo Pellizzeri (@teopellizzeri) for their contributions.