Sandy stun South in cup final09.06.2013Sandringham SC 1-0 South Melbourne Womens
Shaun Moran @MoranShaunSandringham has clinched its maiden Women’s State Knockout Cup after overcoming South Melbourne at the Veneto Club on Sunday afternoon.
In a tight and at times tense encounter, a first half goal was all that was needed to ensure that the silverware was heading back to Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs.
South Melbourne lined up with a traditional 4-4-2 system, while Sandringham opted to employ a 4-2-3-1, which proved crucial in the realisation of the first goal.
It was Emma Gleadell who struck the fatal blow after brilliant lead up work by Amy Silver in what was Sandy’s first notable chance of the match.
Silver’s piercing through ball behind South’s back two allowed Gleadell to take her first touch through on goal before slotting home past a hesitant Cassandra Dimovski.
Before that, the two sides were content to feel each other out in the early stages with both unable to create any clear cut chances and the forwards receiving little to no meaningful service in an uninspiring first 30 minutes.
Moments after the first goal, a lapse in concentration almost led to Sandringham doubling their lead. Dimovski’s attempted throw out to Demi Mihaloudis was intercepted by Sienna Fogarty who looped her shot wide, sparing Dimovski’s blushes.
South came out buoyed after half time and should have equalised after the hour.
Natalie Brajanovski’s pirouette took her past her defender and left her with no one to beat but the opposing keeper. She opted to take the ball onto her right side instead of shooting earlier with her left, enabling Sian Rogers to come out and smother.
Mihaloudis’ team were clearly enthused and began to assert themselves, pressing at every available chance.
Sandringham weathered the storm, being forced to dig deep and throw in a number of desperate challenges to keep South out for the duration of the match and seal a memorable victory.
Speaking after the match, Sandringham coach Shaun Parton was ecstatic with his side’s performance, particularly after negotiating the difficulties they faced prior to the match.
“We didn’t have a recognised goalkeeper, we had a Matilda unavailable and two other girls who were in Canberra yesterday playing in a Futsal competition who both caught an 11am flight to get here,” he said.
“Some people put a lot of hard work in to make this happen.
“There were a lot of girls who didn’t want to forfeit. It was an option, it was talked about, but it was the strength of the team that got us through. I think the result was just in the end.”
South Melbourne boss Bill Mihaloudis was pleased with his players despite citing nerves as being crucial in their inability to take the game to their opponents.
“I would say where we fell down was due to our failure to settle down,” he explained.
“I think there were a few nervous girls who’ve never been together in this type of environment but I guess that’s life.”
Sandringham: Sian ROGERS, Emma GUNN, Lucy KAPUSTA, Ali KAPUSTA, Christie PARTON, Hannah STUART, Kirstie SHEARING, Steph TANTI, Sienna FOGARTY, Eliza GLEADELL, Emma RUNNALLS. Interchange: Ruby BURKE, Steph PARTON, Amy SILVER, Indi TAIT, Emily MORRIS-KRUSE.
Goals: Gleadell (34’)
Yellow cards: None
Red cards: None
South Melbourne: Cassandra DIMOVSKI, Demi MIHALOUDIS, Sarah SUMNER, Alex CHEAL, Lauren FARRUGIA, Jessica AU, Natalie MARTINEAU, Tiffany ELIADIS, Alison BAKER, Laura SPIRANOVIC, Lucrece LAVERDURE. Interchange: Natalie BRAJANOVSKI, Lisa FONUA, Adriana DURAKOVIC, Morany CHEK, Tayla MURE.
Goals: None
Yellow cards: None
Red cards: None
Referee: Joanna Charaktis
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