Round 9 of the NPL Capital Football women’s competition saw two games with very little between the teams and two games featuring hat-tricks, one to Canberra Croatia’s Jamie Berkeley, and another to Canberra Olympic’s Tianah Miro.

Beyond 90 travelled to a slightly soft and windy Gungahlin Oval for the game between sixth-placed Gungahlin United and fourth-placed Belconnen United. 

Other Round 9 games included the following:

Tuggeranong United vs Canberra Olympic
Wagga City vs Canberra Croatia
Canberra United Academy vs West Canberra 

Match of the Round: Gungahlin United vs Belconnen United

There were lots of familiar faces returning to action. The experienced Karen Clarke lined up at centre back for Belconnen United, having donned goalkeeping gloves in last weekend’s Federation Cup Final. Jayla Murphy was back as the Blue Devils’ goalkeeper for this game.

For Gungahlin United, Kailey Tonini returned between the sticks after being unavailable for several weeks, Darby Whitely made a welcome return from US college football, and longtime NPLW coach Diego Iglesias was back guiding the team. However, Michelle Heyman was not to appear in this contest.

Five points from eight games aren’t what most pundits would have picked for the Gunners at this point, and with the quality apparent in the squad, better times are hopefully not far away.

Scott Conlon’s Belconnen side was without two key attackers for this game (Olivia Bomford and Keira Bobbin), but the mood was quietly upbeat after their fine second-half performance in the Federation Cup Final. Clarke’s return saw Sophia Doumos pushed out to right back after impressive performances as a central defender.

The first twenty minutes saw both teams trying to come to terms with the swirling wind as  Belconnen held a possession advantage. It was fun seeing Gungahlin’s Annaliese Grove play in an advanced midfield position, playing with customary gusto. Ayla Robertson was impressive in the role where Grove played last game, as a central defender beside captain Maddie Perceval.

Ella-Rose Brown fired the Gunners’ first shot high over the bar from the back post off a corner, but Talia Backhouse’s response a minute later at the other end was more convincing. Driving forward with the ball at her feet, Backhouse’s left-foot drive thundered off the underside of Tonini’s crossbar.

In a game where Belconnen looked a little more threatening but there was not much to separate the sides, Clarke proved to be the point of difference. We shouldn’t be surprised: for years we’ve seen Clarke turn defence into attack with her passing range, deliver free-kicks into dangerous areas, and wow spectators with long throws that reach the six yard box (the tall Backhouse and Ella Palframan were her usual targets during this game). Clarke’s defensive work is always solid and controlled but her contribution to attack is what sets her apart from many defenders in the league.  

Two of those dangerous Clarke free kicks were on display near the half-hour mark, one just beyond the reach of everyone as it flew low across the box, the other well saved by Tonini.

Brown had a chance at the other end and her dipping shot wasn’t far off the mark. 

In the 33rd minute, a Clarke throw-in found Backhouse near the Gunners’ six-yard box, and she guided her header beautifully into the bottom right corner of the net for the game’s only goal. How on earth Clarke and Backhouse were able to control their efforts in the conditions is anybody’s guess, making the goal all the more impressive.

A high looping long shot from Perceval was to test Murphy moments later as the ball shifted in the air but it was well dealt with in the end.

Shots from Katie Woodman, Backhouse, and Palframan for Belconnen, and Sharon Chao from the home side, saw the first half come to a close.

Ex-Gunner Stefi Lejins started the second half brightly with a left-edge passing move downfield resulting in a cross onto Backhouse’s head, which Tonini did well to save. Tonini’s feet came into play a minute later, denying Tatum Mazis’ effort.

Half chances from Clarke’s headed attempt, Pennyfield’s shot from a Grove lay-back, and Backhouse ensued as the coaches started bringing on substitutes with around 20 minutes to go.

Palframan had a great opportunity to extend the Belconnen lead at this point, but having rounded Tonini could only guide her shot into the side netting.

Backhouse continued to look dangerous, with a fine ball from wide on the right finding substitute Tia Burridge in front of goal, but her attempt to pass the ball into the net was pushed wide to the left.

Clarke had two further long throws into the Gungahlin box – one found the head of Palframan but the header flew by the right goal post – as the game wound down to a Belconnen United win. The result was a fair reflection of the away side having the upper hand in what was otherwise a close contest.

Coach Iglesias has plenty to reflect on. Always one to value versatility and the ability to play multiple positions, he will have been happy with the demonstration of this quality by some of his players, while recognising there’s a way to go before the team is playing to its potential.

Coach Conlon will be delighted with the way his team maintained their momentum from recent good showings despite some key forwards being away. Clarke’s comeback performance and positive effect on the younger players around her was the icing on this particular frosted cake.

Final score:

Gungahlin United 0
Belconnen United 1 (Backhouse 33′)

Teams:

Gungahlin United – Coach: Diego Iglesias

Kailey Tonini, Jada Lamond, Ayla Robertson, Maddie Perceval (c), Brigitte Sander, Stella De Marco, Annaliese Grove, Erika Pennyfield, Darby Whitely, Ella-Rose Brown, Sharon Chao 

Subs: Piper Lockley (70′ => Pennyfield), Gabrielle O’Brien, Esperance Anderson, Sophie Couldrick, Rachael Corbett

Belconnen United – Coach: Scott Conlon

Jayla Murphy, Sophia Doumos, Karen Clarke, Lauren Preston, Stefi Lejins, Katie Woodman, Talia Backhouse (c), Ella Palframan, Sofia Palywoda, Pearl Tein, Tatum Mazis

Subs: Amalia Edevane, Leah Carnegie, Madeline Steinacker (85′ => Palframan), Tia Burridge (70′ => Mazis)

Around The Grounds:

Tuggeranong United 0-6 Canberra Olympic
Wagga City Wanderers 1-6 Canberra Croatia
Canberra United Academy 1-1 West Canberra Wanderers

Ladder:

Next week:

Round 10

• Belconnen United vs Canberra Olympic, McKellar Park, Saturday June 18th, 3pm
• West Canberra vs Wagga City, Melrose Synthetic, Sunday June 19th, 12:45pm
• Canberra Croatia vs Tuggeranong United, Deakin Stadium, Sunday June 19th, 2:30pm
• Gungahlin United vs Canberra United Academy, Gungahlin Enclosed, Sunday June 19th, 3pm
   

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