Report by Peter Simcox
Queens Park have opened their Bankwest Women’s State Premier League campaign with a 5-1 win against Beckenham Angels at Mills Park on Thursday evening.
Former Beckenham and Perth Glory striker Katarina Jukic was the hero for Queens Park bagging a hat-trick, with Sadie Lawrence and Tia Stonehill also getting on the score sheet.
Jukic said it was good to start the season with a win and continue the momentum of winning the Night Series.
“Sadie (Lawrence) and I got some great service tonight and we managed to put them away.
“We didn’t play our best in the Night Series, but we won the final and it’s good to keep that momentum going tonight. We probably need a few more game to gel, but the signs are good.”
Queens Park Coach Ben Anderton said it was a pleasing performance, and they took their chances well.
“It was a slow start to the game but we lifted and when we introduced Shannon (May), we took control,” he said.
“She gave us some composure and we managed to re-cycle the ball better and got Katarina, Sadie and Tia into good positions up front and they took their goals well.”
The visitors dominated early and were ahead on 11 minutes. Natasha Rigby’s corner picked out Jukic who headed home from close-range.
Beckenham hit back and when Kim Thiess’ corner wasn’t dealt with, Andrea Priato’s shot was saved by Danelle Cornish.
Queens Park created the better chances and were rewarded on 37 minutes with a second goal. A great through ball sent Jukic in on goal who finished clinically.
The Beckenham shot stopper was keeping her side in the game and stood tall to deny Jukic a hat-trick moments later.
However there was nothing she could do when Queens Park added a third on the stroke of half time. A defensive mix up let in Stonehill, and the pacey striker made no mistake.
The home side made a great start to the second half and they pulled one back in the opening minute. Valenti found space on the edge of the penalty area and her long-range shot gave Cornish no chance.
Two minutes later Queens Park regained their three goal margin. Stonehill made space down the left and crossed in to the penalty area with Jukic sliding in at the back post to complete her hat-trick.
Queens Park made it 5-1 on the hour as Lawrence heading home Jamie-Lee Gale’s corner.
With Shannon May pulling the strings in the middle of the park Queens Park continued to press. Jukic’s curling shot flashed wide of the target, before Lawrence saw her shot cleared off the line by Rhian Mears.
Next week Queens Park host East Fremantle at Coker Park, while Beckenham Angels travel to Jubilee Reserve to take on Bassendean Caledonians.
Beckenham Angels 1 (Valenti 46min)
Queens Park 5 (Jukic 11min, 37, 48, Stonehill 43, Lawrence 60)
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Kick-off: 7:00pm
Mills Park