Despite being thin on the ground for numbers, with only one player on the bench, the Blues were better off than the Reds, who initially had the bare 11 but lost one player to injury early in the first half. The Waiuku ladies did not let this interfere with their usual style of play: within 15 minutes they were awarded a penalty, which captain Sandie Ralph converted to the only goal of the match.

 

Throughout the remainder of the game, the spectators saw some strong attacks and narrow misses coming from both sides. Although Waiuku goalkeeper Vickilee Watson made a couple of great saves, at the other end of the field the tireless efforts of strikers Gemma Gouwland and Desiree Rickard unfortunately were not rewarded with further goals.

 

Coach Cody Ralph made his one substitution in the second half, bringing on Bianca Rhind to replace left back Laura Bannister. Later injuries, sustained by right back Shanelle Partridge and right winger Shelley Banham, caused temporary concern for the Waiuku side; however both players demonstrated character by remaining on the field, despite receiving a blow to the back of the head and a blood nose, respectively. The Waiuku defence line, with plenty of support and cover from the midfielders, pulled together well to limit Papatoetoe’s opportunities in front of goal. Player of the Day went to sweeper Kathryn Oliver.

 

As a result of their win, the Blues are through to the next cup round and will likely face a Division 1 opposition next weekend. On top of the Premiers’ success, Women’s Reserves coach, Dale Oliver, reported that his side had a convincing 5-0 win over Papatoetoe United in their final league match of the season. Well done to all the Waiuku ladies.