Another great day for the Victorian's in day two of the National Junior Championships for Girls in Coffs Harbour.
Both teams built on their respective strong performances from day one, which showcased some of our best talent in the under 15 and under 17 age groups.
Although the all results did not go as planned, the team's performances did not go unnoticed, with Matildas head coach Tom Sermanni, praising the performance of the under 15’s.
“The under 15 side played the best football I have ever seen by a Victorian team at National Championships,” Sermanni said.
Victoria took 10 out of 12 points on offer on day two.
Under 15’s
Victoria 3 - 0 Capital Football
Goal scorers: Kariah White x 2, Kate Fotopoulos
In the first of four Victorian matches today the under 15’s produced an entertaining match against Capital Football in which they provided an excellent display of passing football.
By controlling the tempo of the match it allowed the midfielders to show their range of passing and distribution. Kariah White used her lightning pace to great effect, and was able to get in behind the Capital Football back four on several occasions – hitting the net twice in the first match of the day.
Although Capital Football fought tirelessly and did gain more momentum in the second half, late call-up Kate Fotopoulos played very well, letting loose with a cracking strike at a tight angle to ensure the three points would go back to Victoria.
Candella Ferreyra-Bas’ forward distribution, amongst other things, was outstanding and Tiffany Eliadis proved to be a very successful link between the midfield and the front three.
Victoria 6 - 0 Northern Territory
Goal Scorers: Zoe Courtney (3), Kariah White, Kate Fotopoulos, Claudia Dimasi
In what was a relatively one-sided match, Northern Territory fought bravely against a dominant and classy Victorian side. With three goals either side of half time it was clear from the outset that it was headed for a Victorian win.
Zoe Courtney managed to help herself to a hat-trick, one of very few at this tournament. Kate Fotopoulos again took great advantage of her late opportunity to score and play her part in the large win.
Kariah White notched up another goal, after scoring in all of the matches so far in the tournament. She will be looking to finish with a bang in the fourth and final match. Midfielder Claudia Dimasi opened her account towards the end of the match to finish the sixth and final goal in the game.
Jessica Au played an instrumental part in several of the goals with her precision passing penetrating the Northern Territory defence on many occasions.
Coach Michael McBride was extremely satisfied with the days results.
“The girls were to move the ball a lot quicker today, and were rewarded for their impressive build up and combination play”.
Under 17’s
Victoria 2 -2 Capital Football
Goal scorers: Jackie Vogt, Ashley Brown
The under 17’s got off to a fantastic start against the team from the capital. A sensational set piece finish from Jackie Vogt set Victoria on their way; the free kick from 25 metres out was placed perfectly into the top right hand corner from Gippsland’s Vogt.
Victoria again dominated possession and were especially dangerous on the wings, with some great crosses putting the Capital keeper under sustained pressure.
Ashley Brown doubled the lead after the break with a superb run cutting in from the left wing past two players to slot home Victoria’s second. Capital Football pulled a goal back soon after with some quick passing inside the area being finishing from close range. A lapse in concentration in the dying minutes saw a speculative shot sneak into the top corner.
Niaomi Eaton was in great form as well as Alex Cheal and goal scorer, Ashley Brown.
Victoria 2 - 0 Northern Territory
Goal Scorers: Morgan Anderson x 2
The second game of the day, and third in twenty-four hours had an understandably slow start as the Victorians took some time to regain their pace and rhythm.
Much of the first half was spent maintaining possession with very few opportunities on goal troubling the keeper. Improved ball movement in the second half coupled with some intelligent decision making by wide players allowed Victoria to assert their authority over the team from the North, however, the finish was still lacking.
Ian Williamson brought on Morgan Anderson and Ashley Browne with 15 minutes left of the match, in what proved to be the turning point of the match. Anderson and Brown immediately looked dangerous and within two minutes Brown made a darting run into the penalty area and showed what she was capable of. It wasn’t long until the two super subs combined to break the deadlock with Ashley Brown feeding Morgan Anderson to slot home from close range. Anderson then doubled the lead after neat play by Ashley Brown provided her with another golden opportunity which she had no hesitation in burying.
Niaomi Eaton was once again a stand out for the under 17’s along with Ellen Turner and captain Laura Croft.
The coaching staff were pleased to get their first win on the board and were especially excited about the development and the consistency of players new to the Victorian development squad environment.
In the final matches of the tournament both teams will take on Tasmania and will hope to have one last chance at impressing both Tom Sermanni and Geoff Hopkins, and working their way into the All Stars team and possibly National teams.
Match day three fixtures
Under 15’s
11:30am - Victoria v Tasmania
Under 17’s
1:00pm - Victoria v Tasmania
- By Liam Bentley, in Coffs Harbour
Last updated: Thursday July 8, 2010 9:40AM
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