Earlier, Altona’s Womens State League One side recorded their second win in a row, holding out MCC 2-1 amid the deluge. Experienced striker, the “flyer”, Step Sarantis got Altona off to an early lead, slamming home a rebound from the MCC keeper, off a penalty corner. Altona had so many chances in the first half, but were unable to convert. Emma Aitken’s pace and strength were too much for the MCC midfield, while the classy former international, Dan Schubach, was as usual, getting a bucket load of ball, feeding the forward line.
Early in the second half, MCC equalised against the flow of play, and it seemed Altona’s missed chances in the first half may come back to bite them. But, the A’s girls kept running hard. Captain Lauren Winship and Kerrin Ford were strong in defence, while centre half Bronte Kerley and midfielder Taniciah Isorena, were controlling the middle. Isorena passed a ball to striker Phoebe Rothfield, who bustled through three tackles along the base line, before passing the ball to young striker Tila Hassing for her first State League One goal and the sealer.
Coach Marc Richardson was buoyed by the second win on the trot: “After beating one of the heavyweights, in Essendon, last week, I’m glad the girls were able to maintain that intensity and work rate, and not have a come down game. I continue to be pleased with not only our known stars, like Schubach and Sarantis, but also the unsung players like Winship, Rothfield, and Isorena. We have a couple of players due back next week from overseas commitments, which should strengthen our line up. Signs are good.”
Altona travel to Doncaster next Saturday 2nd June.
Altona 2 def MCC 1
Goals: S. Sarantis, T. Hassing