WOMEN’S MATCH RESULTS
U14’s:
We hosted Fulham United in what was a real DANGER game for the Playford girls. Fulham were in great form having won 5 of their past 6 games and that included a 5-0 whipping of previously unbeaten Adelaide Olympic. Last time we met, Fulham were a dogged opponent and today was no different.
While we controlled the game for long periods in that first half, we didn’t back ourselves to shoot at critical times and instead looked to pass to nearby teammates, which was always one pass too many. We also chose not to do any thru balls and we played too narrow with the wings cutting in to a congested middle rather than going wide and drawing a defender away from the goals.
We were dominating, but we were creating almost nothing up front.
Eventually Fulham created a couple of chances of their own and lucky for us they missed a golden opportunity to score the opener when their striker missed from 15 metres out, straight in front, clear on goal with no pressure. Phew! A lucky escape…
Then the magic happened.
Apuk Baak ran on to a chipped ball on the left side of the penalty box and crossed it high in front of the goals. Manaab Ali battled with a defender trying to get a shot off, but the defender managed to clear the ball but straight to Acacia Baggendorf, who delivered a thunderous strike on goal from 25m out on a 45 degree angle. GOAL!
Back to the middle and the referee’s whistle blew literally 2 seconds later.
HT 1-0
Second half began brilliantly with Liya Ratthanachan taking the ball on the left wing, evading a defender and crossing. The ball slipped past everyone except Acacia Baggendorf, who pounced on it from 5 metres out and smashed it into the net. 2-0 up and the slightest amount of breathing room with 30 minutes left.
We continued to press and improved our passing and thru ball attempts but Fulham parked the bus with 7-8 defenders for the remainder of the match and so despite some opportunistic shooting, we didn’t find the back of the net again.
We remain undefeated in our last 10 games.
We remain top of the table.
Impressive performances from Acacia Baggendorf, Lisa David and Nimiska Sirwal.
Patriot Girl Power!!!
Div 4:
A cracker of an evening as we welcomed
Westies to Ramsey Park for a 6:15pm kick off.
I seem to be writing a De Ja Vu here when I start by saying *A much changed side here this evening*.
2 young ones from the 17s. A borrowed player from our Div 2 side and 2 players on the sheet whom had situations that prevented them from attending the game.
Away we go and the end to end game never let up with both sides having 1/2 chances but to be fair Westies missed a few that should have had them up easily by 1/2 time.
The girls didn't let the close calls take them back into their shells and matched their midfield plays with our forays into their penalty box but alas no finishing power to rock the scoreboard.
Westies went 1 up eventually but to the girls credit they equalised with Makayla lobbing a ball so high it came down into their goal with ice on it.
Towards the end of the game chances were many but none changed the scoreline. Until 2 minutes from time Westies skipped through a tired backline and scored the winning goal.
The girls never stopped hunting for another goal. When you struggle each week it can lead to apathy. My girls didn't go that way.
A sense of will it change ? Of course it will !!!!
The trick is to keep believing/Training/and staying positive.....
Div 2:
Coming into the match after a week off and fresh from a challenging cup fixture against Division 1 opposition, the Lady Patriots were eager to continue their strong start to the season against Westminster Old Scholars Women’s Team.
Both teams started brightly, moving the ball well and looking to create opportunities. There was plenty of attacking intent, with good passing sequences and long balls forward, but neither side was able to make the most of their early chances.
An early strong challenge from Kaili resulted in a free kick and a yellow card, meaning she had to be disciplined for the remainder of the match. The Lady Patriots responded well, creating a promising attacking move through Goldie and Kaili, who combined beautifully through midfield before playing a ball into space. Unfortunately, the final chance could not be converted.
At the back, Linh led by example, putting in a number of strong and clean challenges to keep the visitors at bay. The entire team defended resolutely, ensuring the scores remained level heading into the break.
Half Time: Lady Patriots 0–0 Westminster Old Scholars
The second half saw Westminster Old Scholars come out strongly, winning first possession and moving the ball cleanly through midfield. Goalkeeper Pam was outstanding, making several important saves and keeping the Lady Patriots firmly in the contest.
Despite their efforts, Playford never quite found their usual rhythm. Something seemed to be missing as the visitors continued to apply pressure.
The turning point came in the 70th minute when a Lady Patriots player received a second yellow card, reducing the side to ten players. The team was forced into a late reshuffle but adapted well, working hard to remain competitive despite the numerical disadvantage.
The pressure eventually told in the 81st minute, with Westminster Old Scholars capitalising on a loose ball in midfield before finding the back of the net. With the extra player, the visitors continued to build momentum and added a second goal in the 88th minute to seal the result.
While it was the team’s first defeat of the season, there are valuable lessons to take from the performance. Football has a way of reminding every team that league positions count for little once the whistle blows. Every match presents a new challenge, and on this occasion Westminster Old Scholars were the better side.
Perhaps this result is the wake-up call the Lady Patriots needed as they continue their journey through the season. The response in the coming weeks will be what defines this group.
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What a win by our Socceroos!! 💛💚🦘
Thank you to our sponsor Angle Vale Tavern for hosting us and serving up the best food, as always🫶🏼
Call 8284 7733 to make a booking for tonight! 🚀
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