By Emma Burke
Heidelberg United were not the only ones putting on a show during their 4-0 win over old rivals South Melbourne FC in round 19 of the Women’s National Premier League.
Fans and foes alike were treated to an impressive backdrop of a lightning storm on the other side of the city as Heidelberg made their way to another win.
What looked like a slow start from the Bergers saw them contend with a barrage of attacks through the opening 20 minutes of play.
A free kick awarded to South Melbourne just outside the box had United contend with their first real moment of danger. The direct shot slipped out of the hands of goalkeeper Natasha Stathopoulos, and the rebound effort hit the crossbar and was almost deflected in. Defenders Bella Wallhead and Maxine Diblasi then played a moment of pinball between the two of them and a sum of South attackers. The play eventually came to nothing as Stathopoulos was able to take the ball to ground and give the Bergers a chance to reset.
Heidelberg was able to break the deadlock not soon after, as Danielle Wise collected her first goal of the afternoon against the run of play. It was a near typical goal for Wise, as she outpaced three South defenders and was able to then step around the keeper and make the shot on a tight angle.
The game’s second goal was unfortunately not able to be attributed to a Berger, as it came off the body of an unlucky South Melbourne defender, which was then deflected right into the back of the net.
United came out for the second half looking a lot more settled, even through South Melbourne’s attacks. Stathopoulos remained a steady presence in goal making multiple key saves in the second 45 minutes.
Wise scored her second goal for the game, a driven shot into the bottom left corner of the goal, assisted by Miette Georgio who picked the pocket of a South defender just outside of the box.
The game’s final goal put the evening to an emphatic end through a neat combination play starting with Elly Torre who found Danielle Wise at the top of the box. Wise’s square ball then found the feet of Keely Lockhart who was able to drive the ball into the back of the net.
The Bergers will now host Box Hill United in their last home game and second last game of the regular season, which kicks off at 3pm on Saturday August 28.