Devonport Strikers team photo. Photo credit: Tanner Coad
Newcomers Devonport caught the eye in their WSL debut with an impressive 2-1 away win over South Hobart at D’Arcy St.
South’s Niki Moutsatsos appeared to have scored the opener when her shot from range ricocheted off the cross bar and seemingly over the line, but referee Claire Green did not see any confirmation of that and play continued.
South’s Niki Moutsatsos before her shot from range. Photo credit: Tanner Coad
Ex-Ulverstone striker Jazmin White made her mark for Devonport in the early minutes with a lovely finish inside the box. Soon afterwards, another Devonport debutant in Danielle Mitchell (formerly of Burnie United) scored an equally good goal.
Devonport’s Jazmin White passes through traffic. Photo credit: Tanner Coad
In the second half, South’s Lucy Roberts dribbled and weaved through the Strikers defence, then scored with a great long range strike to cut the margin to a single goal, but it wasn’t enough to complete a full comeback.
South’s Lucy Roberts celebrates her goal. Photo credit: Tanner Coad
Devonport will now set their sights on a Northern derby with Launceston United next Saturday, while South host Kingborough on Sunday.
Launceston United5 (Gonya Luate, Dani Gunton, Laura Dickinson, Sofie Verhaegen and Annie Reitsema) Clarence Zebras1
Launceston, another new WSL side, made a big statement on opening day by defeating last year’s Statewide Cup champions in style.
Clarence Zebras lost a lot of talent over the off-season with Danielle Kannegiesser, Bronte Gadon, Allie Berry and Zara Dixon all leaving the club. They also have a new coach in Ronnie Bolton after Chris Hey’s departure, meaning things are very different at Wentworth Park.
United on the other hand, boosted their squad with the arrivals of Madi Gilpin and Jessica McCallum-Smith (from Riverside Olympic). McCallum-Smith was recently mentioned by Junior Matildas coach Rae Dower as a possible contender for the 2021 Junior Matildas squad.
Olympia Warriors4 (Meggie Goscombe, Mia Cane x2, Madi Chambers) Taroona FC 1 (Mackenna Minstrell)
Olympia’s Inocent Michael (c), all smiles after another assist. Photo credit: Tanner Coad
Reigning champions Olympia spoiled the WSL welcoming party for Taroona in a tidy 4-1 away win at Kelvedon Park.
Taroona FC team photo. Photo credit: Tanner Coad
The home side defended well for the opening half hour, locking down the vibrant Inocent Michael and youth prospect Meggie Goscombe. Goscombe has been promoted to the seniors after impressing both in pre-season and during a short stint with Clarence Zebras last year. Goscombe continued that scoring form to net the opener, finding the final touch from a scramble in the box.
Olympia were forced into a change and brought on key striker Bonnie Davies, but it would be starting attacker Mia Cane who scored the second. Cane capitalised on a defensive error and calmly got onto an acute angle to hit into the bottom left corner, much to the dismay of Taroona keeper Izzy Ottavi.
Olympia’s Madi Chambers on the ball and holding off a Taroona defender. Photo credit: Tanner Coad
Madi Chambers and Cane chimed in with similar lead up play to score Olympia’s third and fourth goals. Mackenna Minstrell did manage to score a late consolation goal for Taroona after a defensive error, but it just wasn’t their day.
Mackenna Minstrell (obscured) celebrates her goal with teammates. Photo credit: Tanner Coad
Taroona then nearly scored again after a scramble in the box but were denied by some excellent saves from Olympia’s Monique Pinkiewicz.
Olympia now have a bye for next weekend, while Taroona will hope to dust themselves off at home against Clarence Zebras.
Round Two
Saturday 27th March
Devonport v Launceston Utd, 12:00pm, Valley Road
Sunday 28th March
South Hobart v Kingborough, 2:00pm, D’Arcy St
Taroona FC v Clarence Zebras, 2:15pm, Kelvedon Park
