Sunday, October 21, 2012
Perth Glory Women started the new Westfield W-League season with a 2-0 win over Melbourne Victory at Intiga Stadium today.
Football West Report by James Mooney
The Glory looked to make the most of the hometown advantage and sweltering conditions, as it reached 27 degrees by the 10.30am kick-off.
The Victorians came into the game with the wood over the Glory, who only managed to record two wins from their seven previous encounters.
The Glory took control of the game right from the whistle, however were unable to capitalise on their chances early on.
Elisa D’Ovidio pushed hard in the midfield along with captain Collette McCallum, however once getting in a position to score, the final touch let them down.
Victory attempted to play off the counter attack only to be halted by Liz Milne standing strong in the centre of defence.
Perth’s Marianna Tabain was causing all sorts of trouble for Victory’s backline, constantly running into space and sending in cross after cross.
The best chance of the half came from Tabain’s efforts as she crossed to McCallum, whose attempt fired into the side net.
Victory almost grabbed the lead late in the first half as Ashley Brown sent in a cross to Tiffany Eliadis, whose first time volley flew past the wrong side of the post.
More frustration for the Glory came in the second half as Carys Hawkins sent in a piercing cross from halfway onto Kate Gill, but she was unable to connect for the simple tap-in.
Finally the pressure became too much for Victory with 15 minutes to go, a solo run from Gill found her one-on-one with Davey and this time she didn’t miss her chance.
The game was all but over minutes later as Tabain’s hard work was rewarded with her 20-yard chip finding its way into the top right corner as the Glory locked the game up.
Coach Jamie Harnwell was pleased with the squad on the whole with a large part of the credit going to his defence.
“Last year we were under a lot of pressure and I though we needed a back four that we could build a platform on and with the girls we got this year we certainly got that,” said Harnwell.
Finishing second from bottom last season, Harnwell has come into this season with high expectations.
“You got to set your sights on the finals, that’s what you’re here for to play in big games and that’s what I said to the girls at the start of the season as we’ve got strong squad on paper.”
Glory’s next game will be this Saturday against Adelaide United at Intiga Stadium with kick-off at 3pm.
Perth Glory 2 (Kate Gill 75’, Marianna Tabain 88’)
Melbourne Victory 0
Sunday October 21
Intiga Stadium, Inglewood
Crowd: 513
Local kick-off time: 10.30am
Referee: Kirralee Gardener
Assistant referees: Marcus Watts, Nico Hoyle
Fourth Official: Renee Silvester
Perth Glory Women: 1. Carly TELFORD, 2. Sarah CARROLL (9. Rosie SUTTON 58’), 3. Carys HAWKINS, 4. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Sasha ANDREWS, 12. Kate GILL, 13. Elisa D’ OVIDIO (10.Jaymee GIBBONS 90’), 14. Collette MCCALLUM (c), 15. Liz MILNE, 17. Marianna TABAIN (19. Shawn BILLAM 90’).
Substitutes not used: 20. Zoe PALANDRI
Melbourne Victory Women: 1.GK Brianna DAVEY, 3.Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 4.Rebekah STOTT, 7. Stephanie CATLEY, 8. Ashley BROWN, 9.Tiffany ELIADIS (11. Caitlin FRIEND 65’), 13. Louisa BISBY (c) (19. Rachel ALONSO 76’), 14.Enza BARILLA, 15. Amy JACKSON, 17. Gulcan KOCA, 18. Cindy LAY (12. Jacqueline VOGT 81’).
Substitutes not used: 20. Cassandra DIMOVSKI