UNITED has claimed the title of 2017 South East Women’s Football Association premiers, after defeating Gambier Centrals in a thrilling 1-0 victory.
After the last few weeks of cold and wet weather, the grand final day provided ideal playing conditions and attracted a large crowd of spectators.
Both teams came out firing and the match started with high intensity as players battled with the pressure of the big game.
The two sides attacked hard in the first half, with corner shots and scoring attempts from both ends of the pitch.
United was able to find somewhat of an upper-hand late in the term and was able to convert through Aimee Brooks.
A Centrals’ pass was intercepted by United captain Ella Firth, before she pushed forward and passed to Brooks.
The long-range shot went straight over the keepers head and gave United a precious advantage going into the break.
The remaining minutes of the half saw Centrals on the back foot, as it defended heavily in an attempt to halt United’s momentum.
After the break United coach Andy Armani restructured his side to accommodate a defensive style of play.
Justina Andrews, Simone Morony and Shae Thomson – supported by the hard-running Hannah Jepson – had the difficult task of subduing Centrals’ midfield, which was desperate to level the score.
The United backline of Eve Maywald, Firth and Michelle Lines worked tirelessly to repel Centrals offence and were successful in pushing the attackers back so they could only shoot from long range.
A nervous moment for United saw Tess Clark take a free kick on the edge of the 18-yard box, directly in front.
However, United goal keeper Zena Reiner was able to set her defenders well and force Clark to take a wide shot, hence preventing a Centrals goal.
United was then able to hold firm and defend its one-goal lead until the final whistle.
Players were ecstatic to have held off a determined Centrals and win their club’s historic first premiership.
Final score: United 1 d Gambier Centrals 0
