by Emma Burke
Heidelberg United Senior Women’s side have cruised to a third victory in a row, beating old rivals South Melbourne FC 3-0 in round five of the National Women’s Premier League.
While usually described as a “game of two halves” the match at Lakeside Stadium on Saturday afternoon was truly done and dusted by half time as the Bergers collected all three of their goals.
The scoring opened in the first few minutes of the game, where none other than team captain Stephanie Galea put away a stunning free kick from just outside of the box.
Minutes later, Danielle Wise – off the back of an assist from Elly Torre – made full use of the error made by South’s goalkeeper and put away United’s second goal of the game.
Skipper Stephanie Galea then picked up her second goal for the game, after being awarded a penalty from getting taken down from behind by South Melbourne.
Galea made no mistake in putting away the kick from the spot, driving it hard and low, sending the keeper diving in the opposite direction.
The second half saw a much more disciplined defence from South Melbourne, as while the United Women worked hard putting forward multiple shots on goal, they seemed to work even harder, preventing any of them from reaching the back of the net.
A late shot came from Kathryn Vlahopoulos, directly on target with the top left-hand corner, which looked a sure thing, however South Melbourne Keeper Jenna Farow pulled off what had to be the save of the match.
Through no lack of trying, the Bergers’ were unable to secure a fourth goal, but with their composure and organisation were able to run the game out with the three-nil win.
The United Women will look to continue their winning streak in round 6 of the NPLW when they make their return to Catalina Street to face Box Hill United FC at 3pm on Saturday the 7th of May.
Match Details
Heidelberg United 3 (S. Galea 6’, 37’, D. Wise 20’) – South Melbourne FC 0
1 – Melissa Maizels (GK)
2 – Emily Roach (9 – Kelly Lockhart 79’)
4 – Danielle Wise
5 – Elly Torre (18 – Eve Tiktikakis 88’)
6 – Felicity Georgopoulos
7 – Stephanie Galea ©
8 – Kathryn Vlahopoulos
10 – Rebecca Burrows
11 – Sophie Papalia (25 – Miette Georgio 61’)
16 – Isabella Wallhead
22 – Elwen Parbery
Subs not used:
26 – Ruby Samild (GK)
19 – D. Kotsabas
