5th-placed West Canberra Wanderers won last time out, while 3rd-placed Canberra Olympic fell to a defeat. This was the perfect time for our first visit to O’Connor Oval in 2024, so we could see how much lies between these two Capital Football NPLW teams.
Other games from this round include:
Tuggeranong United vs Gungahlin United (full stream)
ANU vs Belconnen United (full stream)
For an alternate review of the round, check out the Capital Football article from Jeremy Magan.
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Match of the Round: Canberra Olympic vs West Canberra Wanderers (Bar TV)
The two teams strode out onto a slightly uneven O’Connor surface in sunny yet cool conditions. For Olympic, Bessie Riethmuller started as striker in the absence of midfielder Nicole Jalocha, and Liana Alves came in for Jane Vanzino, who took a knock last week. Elke Aitolu made a first matchday appearance this season, initially on the bench. Meanwhile, the Wanderers promoted two fullbacks, Juliana Robertson and Allegra Senti.
Canberra Olympic’s first half was like déjà vu from the last round – the vast majority of the action was in the Wanderers’ half but there was nothing to show for it. It must have been difficult viewing for the coaching team, with lively midfielder Sienna Birnie in the mood; Tianah Miro delivering balls into the box from wide; Katrina Peric’s headers on set pieces an obvious target; Maddy Whittall as active as ever; exciting player rotations; and Madison Cachia able to turn defenders on a dime. For all that, the goal attempts were disappointingly fruitless, with Riethmuller’s close-range effort that was saved by keeper Amy Wiggan near the half-hour mark the closest to threaten the scoreboard.
The Wanderers held their defensive shape throughout the first half and worked hard to keep things tight. To their credit, an injury to right-back Senti 24 minutes in didn’t affect their discipline as Raffaella Puli seamlessly took over. As the sun dipped and the temperature dropped, the teams entered the sheds at 0-0.
For more than 30 second-half minutes Olympic’s frustrations continued. Jaya Bowman nearly broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, dispossessing Steph Nikias in dangerous areas but placing her shot onto the left post. A marvellous chipped Birnie through ball for her forwards shortly thereafter was smartly seen to by the onrushing Wiggan.
The introduction of attacking substitute Ella-Rose Brown with 25 minutes remaining was the deciding factor. Stepping up for two set pieces, her first in the 76th minute found Peric at the back post, who was able to toe a ball through the tiniest available space under Wiggan. Just three minutes later, Brown’s second dead ball effort was expertly steered into the far post netting. 2-0 was the score at full time.
The Wanderers’ defensive effort is worthy of acclaim; Steph Nikias impressed earlier this season at centre-back and continued that form against Olympic. With the reliable Olivia Hicks beside her, while Perri Nash and Demi Nikias screened in front of them, the Wanderers aren’t easy to break down. It should be noted that keeper Wiggan and left-back Robertson also featured in Capital Football’s Team of the Week.
Olympic’s inability to score from open play in successive games, despite their dominance here, will doubtless be worked on at training. The Wanderers will be pleased with their tenacity, but may be searching for ways to make the most of their counterattacks against a possession-heavy opponent such as Olympic. Cara Ceruti in a wide midfield role showed a willingness to take on her opponents one-on-one, opening up space for her teammates. Wanderers leading goal scorer Sarah Whitfield was somewhat starved of service in this contest.
Round 7 marks the end of the first full round. Fans can look forward to two further full rounds as part of the 21-game schedule.
>>> Full match timeline and team line-ups can be found here <<<
Final score:
Canberra Olympic 2 (Katrina Peric 76′, Ella-Rose-Brown 79′)
West Canberra Wanderers 0
Around The Grounds:
Tuggeranong United 0-3 Gungahlin United
ANU 0-8 Belconnen United
