Match of the Round – St George FC defeated by Sutherland Shire FA
Sutherland Shire FA won 4-1 in a spirited local derby over St George FC at llinden Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon. It was Sutherland Shire FA’s first win of the 2023 season, and they did it in style!
Sutherland Shire FA started brighter and had the ball in the back of the net in the first five minutes. Ariane Brown put in a cross for Violet Keelan to tap home for 1-0.
The visitors continued to push forward and went close to a second. Another cross from wide found Keelan whose initial shot was saved then Angelina Mastoris’ follow up fizzed wide.
St George FC eventually settled as Caitlin Campbell floated in a cross which found the head of Jordan Baker who nodded wide.
Sutherland Shire FA doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute. Once again, Keelan broke through and poked the ball past the keeper and into the net for 2-0.
St George FC did pull a goal back just before half-time. Kyla Vanderlaan with some good work on the right sent in a cross which was turned home by a Sutherland Shire FA defender for 2-1.
Coming out of the break, both teams felt just fine.
Campbell tried to get St George FC level again from a set piece. She stood over a free-kick which floated over the bar aided by the gusty conditions.
St George FC kept pushing for the equaliser through stalwart Jordan Baker. Through some industrious work on the left, the striker found room but whipped an effort wide of the mark.
The visitors made St George pay for missing their half chances with their third goal. Stojcevski found a small pocket of space and her low drive went into the bottom corner for 3-1.
Trying to respond immediately, Campbell had another free-kick opportunity. She played it short to Baker whose shot flew over the bar.
St George FC kept pushing for another goal with Vanderlaan heading wide then Baker had another shot which was easily taken by Sutherland Shire FA keeper Jasmin Lawler.
Sutherland Shire FA put the icing on the local derby win with their fourth goal. Janan Codmani spied St George FC keeper Alexandra Hinson off her line and chipped the ball into the net for 4-1.
Speaking post-match St George FC coach Mark Greenfield remained optimistic about his side despite the defeat as they had their chances.
“I thought we played really well but a few mistakes were punished. You can’t make any mistakes in this league as teams will make you pay. We played well and dominated possession and will have to go back to the drawing board.” said Greenfield.
While Sutherland Shire FA coach Jon Long was delighted for the team as they notched up their first win in 2023.
“It was nice to get the win in the local derby.
“There is a lot of feeling in these games with players having played for both.
“It was also nice to score some goals after missing so many chances last week and it gets us back on track for the semi-finals. Today was a big game after three draws which we should’ve won and give us a springboard for next week.” said Long.