Photo: Rachel Collier
A freak goal from Demi Vance ensured Northern Redbacks made a winning start to their Bankwest Women’s State League Premier Division season against big rivals Beckenham Angels at Celebration Park.
Report by Rachel Collier
Vance’s 24th-minute cross from the left looped over Angels keeper Kate Burns and found its way into the top corner to secure a 1-0 victory for the home side.
Redbacks coach Conrad McKelvie praised his side, who made a positive start in their quest to go one better in 2015 and finish top of the ladder.
“It was a very gritty display with both teams putting in solid performances,” he said before reflecting on Vance’s goal.
“I don’t know whether she meant to score but she played really well all game, so whether it was intended or not she probably earned it today.”
Photos: Rachel Collier
The win came just two weeks after the Redbacks’ impressive 4-1 Night Series victory over Angels had prompted Beckenham coach Jason Washington-King to wonder if they would lose a game this season. This was a much closer contest.
“It was a very even game today,” Washington-King said. “We matched them all over the pitch and put on a very pleasing performance.
“In regards to the goal, I think that when a player calls out another players name for the cross, you know they didn’t intend to score.
“It could have been 0-0 today if it hadn’t of been for that freak goal, but we never seem to have much luck against the Redbacks.”
Next up, Beckenham Angels face FW NTC whilst the Northern Redbacks travel to Balcatta. Both games take place on Sunday 19th April.
Northern Redbacks 1 (Vance 24)
Beckenham Angels 0
Date: Sunday, April 12th, 2015
Venue: Celebration Park, Balga
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Referee: H. R. Best
Northern Redbacks: 1. Kathleen WAYCOTT, 2. Jessica WHEATMAN, 3. Larissa WALSH, 5. Amy KNIGHTS, 6. Carla BENNETT, 7. Lauren RILEY, 8. Demi VANCE, 9. Ellis GLANFIELD, 10. Nadene CALDWELL, 11. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 12. Kimberley MCCARTNEY, 14. Renee LEOTA, 15. Emily DUNN, 16. Shawn BILLAM, 17. Sadie LAWRENCE
Yellow cards: RILEY 20
Red cards: none
Beckenham Angels: 1. Kate BURNS, 2. Danielle JEANS, 3. Annique KEISLER, 4. Jessica LINDQUIST, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Racy DODD, 7. Janelle ST PIERRE, 8. Jamie-Lee GAYLE, 9. Danielle CALAUTTI, 12. Stephanie CAIN, 13. Lindsey KENYAN, 14. Caitlyn BROOMHEAD, 15. Andrea PREIATO, 16. Laura FERGUSON
Yellow cards: JEANS 52
Red cards:
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