After a thoroughly-earned 1-0 victory over the second of Western Springs' two teams in Division 2, the Waiuku women have finally assumed their place at the top of the table.
This weekend saw the ladies in blue make their second trip of this season to Springs' home ground, Seddon Fields. The first 85 minutes of the game presented no goals from either side, but more tense moments than a World Cup final. Speedy Springs arguably had more possession, but Waiuku's defence was rock solid and the very infrequent mistakes were beautifully cleaned up by keeper Vickilee Watson.
Coach Cody Ralph made numerous substitutions throughout the game, so that many players ended up serving time in more than one position. These rotations never phased the Waiuku women, but kept them fresh so that their formidable midfield force could thread together great passes to strikers Gemma Gouwland and Desiree Rickard.
Until late in the second half, the Blues were unsuccessful in turning the game into anything more exciting than a seesaw nil-all draw. But with five minutes remaining, the climax of the match was set in motion by Shanelle Partridge of the backline, who made a great delivery to Jacqui David on right wing. Captain Sandie Ralph received the ball from David and played it to midfielder Shelley Banham, who got enough of a touch on the ball to upset the Springs defence and give Gouwland a chance to challenge the keeper. The ball bounced off the upright but Gouwland followed up and slotted it into the goal, through an almost impossibly narrow gap, to claim the victory for Waiuku.
Player of the Day went to Ashley Raynes for a stellar performance in centre back, where she closed down the Springs attackers time and time again and halved their shots on goal.
While this weekend's win has allowed Waiuku to move to the top of the table, second-placed Onehunga trail by just one point and have a game in hand. But the final showdown between the two top teams is only a fortnight away and the Blues are eager to settle the score once and for all. |