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University of Wollongong’s women’s team’s marvellous record in Football NSW tournaments continued at Valentine Sports Park yesterday when they won the 2011 All Age Women State Cup Final.
The Hippos scored a resounding 5-1 win over Connell’s Point, highlighted by a sizzling hat trick from University striker Lyndsay Andrew.
University of Wollongong took the lead in the 5th minute of play when a fine run down the left flank by Fran Halloway broke open the Connell’s Point defence. Her cross into the face of goal was pushed against the cross bar by Connell’s Point keeper Lyndel McMartin, with the rebound falling to the feet of Andrew. The University star had little trouble tapping away the opportunity to put her team up 1-0.
Connell’s Point had started the game well but this goal sparked University of Wollongong into dominance. It was little surprise when they increased their lead in the 10th minute through a second goal to Andrew after the Connell’s Point defence had failed to clear a corner.
Lyndsay Andrew was looking dangerous every time she touched the ball and the service being provided her from University’s midfield was first class.
Connell’s Point started to lose their shape as they fell back behind the ball in an attempt to stem the attacking tide.
In the 25th minute, against the run of play, Connell’s Point found a goal. The ball was pumped forward by the Connell’s Point midfield, with the University defence seemingly in control. However, Connell’s Point’s Gemma Wills had other ideas; harassing the University defender, dispossessing her and then charging towards goal. Wills clinical finish left University keeper Chani Barrett with no chance making the score 2-1 in favour of University of Wollongong.
Nine minutes later a pass found Lyndsay Andrew with the ball on the edge of the Connell’s Point penalty box. Andrew turned, easily beating the defender before slotting away a sublime shot to restore her side’s two goal cushion heading towards half time.
Prior to the half time break University of Wollongong looked likely to extend their lead but a game Connell’s Point side held on. Their own opportunities came on the break from defence but they struggled to make an impression.
If Connell’s Point had visions of a major comeback in the second half those hopes were dashed in the first minute when, from a University corner, the ball rebounded off a Connell’s Point defender into her own goal. At 4-1 the game was as good as over.
University made a number of positional changes after this goal with Lyndsay Andrew moving into a defensive role. Midfielder Fran Halloway, whose stylish control of play had much to do with University’s dominance was also given a break.
The match evened out somewhat, though it was the University side who looked most likely to score. Connell’s Point were well served by goalscorer Gemma Willis who looked dangerous every time she touched the ball. Though seemingly down and out the Connell’s Point girls dug in determinedly.
In the 81st minute a superb through ball saw University’s Lauren Wiedl burst onto the ball. The Connell’s Point defence seemed to have it covered by Wiedl seized on the moment of hesitation between defender and keeper, racing between them to take the ball before firing away University’s fifth goal.
When the final whistle blew it heralded a convincing 5-1 win to South Coast Football’s fabulous Hippos; a well deserved triumph against a game Connell’s Point side.
Lyndsay Andrew and Fran Halloway were the stars for University of Wollongong but the Hippos team as a whole were superb. Gemma Wills stood out in the beaten side in what was a very entertaining State Cup Final.
UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG 5 (L.Andrew 5m/10m/34m, L.Wiedl 81m, own goal 46m)
CONNELL’S POINT 1 (G.Wills 25m)
-By Ross Anderson