The Eastern UNSW Lions won 3-1 in their round one match against Nepean FC, match report by Ryan Cropp (FNSW).
Nepean FC vs Eastern UNSW Lions
Almost two days of heavy rain made for a wet and windy encounter at Cook Park where Eastern UNSW Lions accounted for Nepean FC with a relatively comfortable 3-1 win.
With a clean slate and a full eighteen rounds ahead, both sides were looking for a big win to kick off the season. It didn't take long for the Lions to assert themselves, and they were rewarded for their high tempo start with a brilliant goal in just the 3rd minute, courtesy of pocket rocket Danielle Pritchard, who capped off fantastic solo run down the left with a cracking right foot shot into the top corner. Young Nepean goalkeeper Kirsty Robins could only watch on helplessly.
A goal down, Nepean dug themselves out of a few more sticky situations before the game finally settled into a rhythm, with very few chances created and most of the action being played out in the center of midfield. The Lions were causing trouble down both flanks but could not convert the space into clear-cut chances.
Nepean struggled to maintain possession, often clearing their lines. UNSW were dealing with the long balls comfortably and playing out from the back with considerable ease. Shani Lauf in particular was showing touches of class in the center of midfield, a position not regularly her own.
On the half hour mark the pressure told. This time Pritchard found herself at the right place at the right time in another goalmouth scramble, the Lions comfortably 2-0 up and well in control, playing out the half without incident.
The second period started with more of the same as UNSW played intelligently, switched play effectively and provided lots of support around the ball. Crucially though, they couldn't cash in on their numerous chances and eventually played the price. Chelsea Wood, dangerous all day, finally found herself with a clear sight of goal and finished beautifully from a wide ball.
That signalled game on. Nepean seemed to lift a few gears, launching a series of dangerous counterattacks, while the Lions had taken their foot off the gas. Wood continued to ask questions, getting on the end of crosses and rattling the side netting.
Just when it seemed Nepean might snatch an unlikely draw, UNSW got a just reward for a dominant performance through Adriana Celic, whose curling left footed effort secured the points with five minutes remaining. It was a timely goal, although one that should have arrived much sooner.
Lions coach Sally Pattinson agreed, but was pleased with the result, "I thought we lost it a little bit there, the game turned. Luckily we have a decent goalkeeper."
"We've been doing a lot of work on short passing and trying to keep possession. We dominated a bit so it was disappointing we didn't finish a few more off. We're looking ok, we have a good team."
Nepean's caretaker coach Scott Daczko was upbeat, despite the scoreline, "We were actually missing a couple of key players today, so it was a good result.
"We played them in a trial match last week and it was very similar to that, so I can't complain."
He did, however have a message for the squad, many of whom are new to top level football, "One of the things that we really need to work on is the speed of the game, that's one thing for a lot of the girls that haven’t played representative level before.
"It's that control and pass that we need to work a little bit harder on at training this week and hopefully that'll improve our overall game.
Match Stats: Eastern UNSW Lions 3 (Danielle Pritchard ‘2, ’31 Adriana Celic ’85) def Nepean FC 1 (Chelsea Wood ’70)
NSW Women’s Super League Round One Review [Football NSW]