Ashburton Women's Soccer Club

WPL Round 6 - Friday 4 May 2012 - Box Hill v Ashburton

By Robert Di Fabio courtesy of FFV Website

Box Hill United has cemented its position at the summit of the Women’s Premier League table, courtesy of a well-disciplined 3-0 win over Ashburton at Wembley Park on Friday night.

Louisa Bisby’s compelling display earned her a deserved brace, while Amanda Lawless played her role in opening the host’s account in the opening term.

This outing was a true indication of where these teams are currently at. Box Hill, a renowned powerhouse in the women’s competition, looks certain to challenge for this year’s title. Anything short of a top-four finish would be deemed a failure. While at the other end of the spectrum, Ashburton knows it has the potential to challenge the best teams on their day – as evidenced against Heidelberg United and Sandringham in recent weeks – however its Achilles Heel is undoubtedly the consistency factor from week to week.

In passages, Ashburton exemplified its aptitude when moving the ball forward. On several occasions, the visitors had Box Hill’s customary disciplined defence on the back foot. If it weren’t for a slice of fortune and a sensational exhibition of goalkeeping from Cassandra Dimovski, Ashburton may have gone home with a better outcome.

Ultimately, this game was won through three major factors – experience, ability to clinically finish in the attacking final third and team discipline – all in Box Hill’s favour. While both sides had their fair share of chances, Box Hill was supreme in all these crucial facets.

It didn’t take long for the home side to kick-off proceedings, denting the guest’s hopes in only the fourth minute. Awarded a free-kick in their own half, Box Hill defender Madeline Richardson played a seemingly hopeful long-ball down the corridor of the pitch, only for Ashburton’s backline to terribly misread.

The defensive mix-up paved the way for Lawless to latch onto the ball. Weaving her magic, the talismanic striker fired past the keeper only to avert off a defender and trek into the back of the net.

The early goal was a tough pill to swallow for Ashburton. However to their credit, they picked themselves up and were unlucky to be denied what almost looked certain to be an equaliser minutes later.

Speedy winger Emma Johnson beautifully cut the ball across the face of goal into a congested crowd of players. The subsequent deflection brought the best out of Box Hill’s custodian, denying what looked to be an Ashburton equaliser, diving athletically low to her left to guide the ball to safety off the goal-line.

It proved to be a pivotal moment in the contest. While Ashburton shotstopper Ingrid Philippe was commended for a rousing piece of goalkeeping later in the half – smothering Lawless’ attempt on goal – she had a moment she would certainly want to forget on the cusp of half-time.

With moments left in the opening period, Philippe failed to deal with what appeared to be a relatively regulation take from a 30-yard free-kick. Bisby’s curling ball from the left wing drifted its way in the direction of the goalkeeper. However to the dismay of Philippe, the ball sailed past her outstretched hands into the net.

It was a sucker punch for the away side, with the referee blowing for the interval seconds later. It was always going to be an arduous uphill battle for Ashburton, trailing by a two-goal margin.

The initial 25 minutes following the restart was a rather cagey affair; a contrast free flowing football in the first half. Neither side carried the momentum, often struggling to retain possession for long periods, gifting the ball to the opposition on several occasions. Both teams deployed the route-one football system on several occasions, to minimal effect.

However, a contentious decision after 58 minutes saw the referee show Ashburton’s Emma Johnson a red card – dismissing the midfielder for a second bookable offence – for what appeared to be a relatively harmless challenge on Lauren Farrugia. The official asserted that Johnson's sliding challenge was forceful and potentially harmful – showing the studs in the process.

Reduced to 10 players for the last half-hour, the task became ever more daunting for the visitors; however it didn’t stop them from going down without a fight.

Ashburton came ever so close to pegging a goal back in the 68th minute, although it was to once again be denied by a tremendous Dimovski save. In this vein of form, many strikers will find it difficult to get their name on the scoresheet.

With Box Hill in the box seat, it put the nail in the coffin after 84 minutes, when Bisby completed her double. A wonderful strike from the edge of the box sealed the three points for the home side.

Box Hill assistant coach Paul Kilpatrick was pleased with his team’s performance, against an opponent he believes will trouble many clubs this season.

“Ashburton are a good side and they will take a lot of points off teams this year. I thought we were quite comfortable and controlled the game well throughout the 90 minutes,” Kilpatrick said.

Box Hill’s next assignment will be an away trip to Preston Lion’s turf, a fixture the former will be expected to win without too many complications. Meanwhile, Ashburton will return to its home surrounding, playing host to Bundoora United, in what should be a competitive affair.

Box Hill United: 1. Cassandra Dimovski (GK), 9. Lauren Farrugia, 3. Yvette Muscat, 5. Jessica Humble, 2. Krystal McCluskey,  4. Madeline Richaroson, 11. Grace Vincent, 16. Louisa Bibsy, 7. Ruby Foottit, 13. Emily Holbert, 15. Amanda Lawless
Substitutes: 17. Emma Heckenberg, 10. Elaina Vatcky, 6. Ebru Efe, 12. Nikki Cheeney, 8. Isabella Tsanidis
Goals: Bisby (45’, 83’), Own Goal
Yellow Cards: Heckenberg (87’)

Ashburton: 1. Ingrid Philippe, 2. Bella Carter- Madej, 15. Maria Patrikis, 3. Elise Manassa, 4. Chloe Drinoczky, 11. Liesl Woods, 8. Jesse Kotsikas, 14. Christine Pfeiffer, 7. Emma Johnson, 10. Seyma Ereni, 16. Stacey Louras
Substitutes: 9. Bonnie Barnes, 13. Azize Ereni, 19. Madeline Hince, 21. Harriet Cordnder
Yellow Cards: Johnson (44’, 57’)
Red Cards: Johnson(57’)

WPL Round 5 – 29 April 2012 –Ashburton v EAP Country
Photos of the match are in the Gallery - click here.
Photos of the Reserves match are in the Gallery - click here.
Photos of  the  State League 3 match Ashburton  v Dandenong City  are in the Gallery - click here.
Seyma Erenli heads to goalAshburton were simply too good for the young EAP Country side and should have probably won by a greater margin. Ashburton dominated possession as it had in the first 3 rounds but finishing once again proved problematic despite the fact that 7 goals were scored. Despite the fact that the EAP Country side is a development vehicle and plays an FFV endorsed style of  football supposedly to develop its players, one would have to question the impact on the players psyche of being slaughtered week in and week out. The EAP   like to pass the ball around and build up from defence, but for a team of inexperienced players in the WPL this is a very high risk game plan and guaranteed to end in tears on a weekly basis.
The Ashburton coach, Chris Michail tweaked the Ashy formation for this game in order to pressure the EAP Country back four and this pressure was evident from the start. Within 30 seconds Ashburton had its first shot at goal after Emma Johnson sent a cracking strike from the left. The ball was intercepted by the EAP Country defence but spilled to Seyma Erenli who missed to the right. Seconds later Erenli was caught offside after a promising forward move and this foray was followed by another Erenli shot over the top of the bar. A minute later Alyssa Sproule-Carrol-Tyler crossed into the path of a sliding Johnson, but the ball was mopped up by EAP Country keeper Kari Gulson. The pressure from Ashburton was relentless and the ball rarely got out of the EAP Country defensive half.  11 minutes in the bubble burst when Ashy left winger Chloe Drinockzy set up Erenli 6 yards out and Seyma gave the EAP Country keeper no chance as the ball headed for the left back post. The Ashy pressure continued despite a temporary incursion into the Ashburton defensive half when a massive free kick from the EAP’s Paige Conder sailed over the top bar. 2 minutes later the EAP Country high risk game was exposed when Gulsun misdirected a pass which was easily intercepted by Liesl Woods who put the ball towards Erenli’s feet and she scored her second from 10 metres out. The Ashburton midfield was in total control with Azize Erenli and Christine Pfeiffer setting up play centrally and the wide players Chloe Drinockzy and Liesl Woods wreaking havoc down the wings. The 3rd Ashy goal came from a deft set up by Drinockzy who made it easy for Johnson to tap the ball past the EAP Country keeper. Ashy’s 4th goal came from a penalty after ex-Ashburton player Tal Karp fouled Stacey Louras in the box. Seyma calmly aimed the ball at the left back post giving Gulson no chance. For the next 15 minutes Ashburton kept up the pressure with near misses to Christine Pfeiffer and Alyssa Sproule-Carrol-Tyler. With the result now not in question, Ashburton coach Michail used the interchange rule to give 2 up and coming players, Harriet Cordner and Courtney Baker important game time in the WPL.
4 minutes into the second half the EAP Country scored through a stunning piece of play which caught the Ashburton defence napping. Elizabeth Watkins took the ball down the right and laid it off for EAP Country striker Jessica Pitts who made no mistake. The EAP Country goal seemed to gird the Ashy players resolve and they were soon pressing forward again. Seyma Erenli was crudely tripped in the box by the EAP Country keeper and Erenli  once again slotted the penalty with consummate ease. With 11 minutes to go Bella Carter-Madej sent a precise cross to Emma Johnson who easily found the back of the net. With a few minutes left in the game Maria Patrikis took the last of Ashburton’s 5 corners. Maria allowed for the wind and scored a delightful goal which eclipsed Gulson’s outstretched arms and sailed into the top right hand corner.
In summary, this was an easy win for Ashburton with little pressure being exerted by the EAP Country, however Ashburton needs to improve its efficiency in front of goal if it is going to match the top sides in the WPL.

Ashburton Women’s SC: 19. Antoniette MICHAIL, 3. Elise MANASSA, 4. Chloe DRINOCKZY, 6. Alyssa SPROULE-CARROLL-TYLER, 7. Emma JOHNSON, 2. Bella CARTER-MEDEJ, 10. Seyma ERENLI, 11. Liesel WOODS, 13. Azize ERENLI, 14. Christine PFEIFFER, 15. Maria PATIRIKIS

SUBS: 1. Madeline HINCE, 16. Stacey LOURAS, 21. Harriet CORDNER, 9. Courtney BAKER

Goals: Seyma ERENLI (11`, 17`, 29`, 53`), Emma JOHNSON, (25`, 79`), Maria PATIRIKIS (89`)
Corners: 5

EAP Country: 50. Kari GULSON (GK), 28. Isabella SCOTT, 29. Tal KARP, 35. Bianca TRIMBOLI, 52. Christina MANCUSO, 28. Imogen HEAD 51. Paige CONDOR, 43. Jessica PITTS, 44. Ilona JAKAB, 32 Pheobe PARKER , 34. Lara SEEGAR.

SUBS: 55. Natalie McDOWALL, 47. Liz WATKINS, , 35. Lucy KENNEDY, 31. Alyssia BLEWONSKI, 57. Kayla AKINSTALL

Goals:  Jessica PITTS (49`)
Corners:2

Assistant Referee Course - Batesford Reserve 

The Assistant Referee Course is a FREE 90-minute interactive presentation aimed at club volunteers and parents who might be willing to or often do 'run the line', to give them more knowledge about the laws of the game relevant to ARs and make them feel more comfortable in the role.

Ashburton (Batesford Reserve)
Tuesday May 1
6:30pm - 8:00pm

To register to attend one of these FREE courses please go to www.myfootballclub.com.au

Being registered makes you easily identifiable for insurance purposes, allows FFV to communicate with you as a Club Assistant Referee (e.g. send the FFA manual to you), and makes you eligible for potential volunteer benefits programs.

STEP BY STEP REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS 
1. If you are already on MFC as a player, coach etc, simply login. If you have never registered on MFC before, create an FFA account. 
2. Once logged in, click “Register Now”.
3. If prompted to update your Personal and Contact Details, click on “Proceed with Registration”
4. Under “Club Name” type “Football Federation Victoria (Club)”
5. Under “Select Registration”, choose the option “Volunteer”
6. Select Category as “Other”
7. Select Registration Package as “Club Assistant Referee”
8. Click on “Add” and then click on “Next”
9. You will only be given the option to “Invoice Me” Please select this option – You will NOT be invoiced a fee
10. You will receive confirmation of your registration via email and FFV will finalise the registration