U15A GIRLS END SANDRINGHAM 2 YEAR WINNING STREAK
This was a game to remember and which was long awaited after our monumental 1-2 loss earlier on.
There was a growing belief mounting and instilled by Bill Mihaloudis (coach) that the invincible Sandringham can and will be beaten.
On a perfect day for soccer in Sandringham our girls came out ready to battle (on sheer skill). Knowing that the slightest mistake could be costly. It was a strong cross from from a corner delivered by our own gun - Renee Zebic that ended up jumbled in the pack and just spilled out for a precise placement by the "Eveready" Siobhan Gray.
Jubilation for getting away early sent our mighty midfielders Elise Kyrgios, Bree Mirabella, Demi Mihaloudis and Coterill into action. Working this ball and trying to find another break.
The defenders, Natasha Lusi, Mel Feore, Supryia Lal, Emma Jones and Tessa Sernio were courageous, methodical and alert as they fought off several counter attacks as only sandy can mastermind. Supryia's speed and blocks answered Ashley Whitakers (Sandy's star striker and speedster) and kept her goalless which was an outstanding effort.
The team certainly held together and played to plan much to the coaches delight. End of 1st half found the score 0-1 to our favour.
Shortly in from half time, Sandringham was out to score. A scurry of plays in front of Sandy's goal resulted in a penalty being awarded against us.
Sandy's WPL player Hanna Whittaker (no relation to Ashley) sent the ball firmly to the right corner just passing our dynamite keeper Christina Katsambanis who dived desperately but the ball was hit firmly and went to the back of the net making it 1- 1.
Our girls just came back even more determined a credit to them all. Strikers Lia Privitelli, Mel Maizels, and Squirt White eager and on the ready to pounce. They fought hard to score and mounted pressure on the Sandy defence and a spot kick was awarded to Donny just outside the 18 yard box. Renee Zebic loaded up and torpedoed yet another missile resulting in to a top left corner goal. Too fierce and too fast skimming passed the sandy keeper. Much to the amazement of all the gob stopped onlookers! what a shot making it 1-2 and we were back in front and on track for our first win.
To top it off the deciding third goal came off a rebounded header from a sandy defender picked up by our trusty Tessa Sernio and placed over the pack at the feet of her amigo Lia Privitelli.
As only Lia can on many other countless occasions, weaved through and took on the last 2 defenders with guts and skilfully squeezed the ball from the left corner post into the right corner passing the goalie at the tightest of angles. Game over 1-3.
The had come and classy Sandringham were very gracious in defeat. It is a rivalry that is respected and admired for it brings the game of girls soccer to a new level.
After 2 years Sandringham had their first loss and it was almost surreal!!
Regardless, we know and look forward to many more hard fought duals. This time it went our way. we embrace the showcase of great sportsmanship, skill, tactics and gusto that only these two teams bring under respected and able coaches.
It doesn't get any better than this, not so much the winning but the journey to get there.
Too bad John Kyrgios (Assistant Coach) Euro 2008 doesn't match up....Priceless.
Well done to all the U15A Girls and the Coach.
coaches comments
"it was a proud moment for our team and our club today beating Sandringham for the first time in the last 4 encounters.
Last season, Sandringham showed why they were the bench mark by winning all games and ending up undefeated and finishing on top of the table.
I knew that everytime we played them, we were capable beating them.
For the first time this season, we played consistent football for all 70min and applied pressure every time Sandringham had the ball and did not give them opportunities to have any shots on goal from close range.
They were shut down completely which was a huge credit to the way our girls played.
It was an outstanding team display with every player contributing to the entirety of the game."
