The SL1 women came into their first home game of the year with dented confidence after a big loss to Mentone in round 1. The return of Hockeyroo Danielle Schubach added some strength to the line-up, whilst Nic Brown was still missing with U18 state duty. Waverley started the game strongly, creating chances and having the majority of possession. Altona managed to gain some ascendancy and put sustained pressure on the Waverley defence 15 minutes into the game, however, the next time Waverley went forward they took advantage of a lack of organisation in Altona’s defence to take a 1-nil lead. Waverley followed their opening goal by pouring further pressure on Altona and Hockeyroo Renee Trost made no mistake ten minutes later with a penalty corner conversion to put Waverley 2-nil up. Altona was scrambling at this stage and another defensive lapse was pounced upon by a Waverley forward, who smashed a shot into the bottom left corner giving Taylah Brennan no chance and making the half-time score 3-nil.
The girls rallied at half time and came out with a great start in the second half. An early penalty corner smashed into the post signalling the intent that the Altona girls now had in their game, and they dominated play before Danielle Schubach converted a penalty corner with 15 minutes left on the clock. Altona created attack after attack as Waverley struggled to outlet the ball from their own half and it was captain Stephanie Sarantis who scored with a calm finish with seven minutes remaining. This scoreboard pressure resulted in a mad scramble and plenty more chances for Altona in the final minutes, however, they failed to capitalise and Waverley ran out deserved 3-2 winners. It really was a game of two halves, and hopefully our SL1 women can carry their second half form and confidence into next week.
Best: Gillis, Schubach, Aitken, Kerley, Sarantis
Goal Scorers: Schubach, Sarantis
Photos from the game can be found here and here.
Next game: WSL1 vs Camberwell, 2pm Saturday at Altona.