21/03/2023
MATCH REPORT:
All 3 of the Seniors teams were in action with the first game kicking off at Brian Niven Park at 1pm on Saturday with the Ladies 1 team taking on Central Storm for the first game of their season.
In 33 degree heat the ladies played their first game together and gelled very well across the whole park, supporting each other and the new players all the way. Well done to Shannon and Jenna on their first game ever. Central had a depleted team of only 8 players and put in a gutsy effort to play the whole 90 minutes. This gave the United Ladies a chance to try some different things and with 20+ shots on target the Central goal keeper was kept very busy throughout the match. At the final whistle the United Ladies came away with a 6-0 win with goals to Michelle (3), Lee (1), Hollie (1), and Susanna (1). A great outcome and a great way to get the season under way.
The next game kicked off at 1:30 in the same crazy heat with the United Ladies 2 team taking on the Central Snipers. With the United Ladies reduced to just 8 players for the first half they put in a very gutsy effort to defend one of the top teams in their division keeping the final scoreline to 10. It was great to hear the support and encouragement from the oposing team as the snipers were continually frustrated defensively by the United Ladies. Another great effort and all of the players should be proud of how far they have come in just a few short weeks. And having only ever played 2 games together previously.
The last game for our weekend was the United Senior Mens team taking on the Central Mens team in a clash of the titans that could have gone either way. The men played a great passing game maintaining majority of possession with a incredible breakaway goal in the first half by Rodwell Tembo. Central then equalised with a well placed free kick just outside the 18 yard box.
United thought they had a chance to get one up with Michael Tominich (Itchy) putting away a tidy penalty kick, however the ref called encroachment and it had to be retaken. The second penalty was read by the keeper and saved.
But in the last 15 mins Rodwell Tembo came through with some fantastic footwork, turning Central defence and sealing the win with a great strike to the keepers right to put United in the drivers seat to end the game 2-1.
Great effort was put in by all the teams in the unseasonable heat. Certainly, looking forward to the season ahead with a great few wins to kick us off!
UP THE MIGHTY BLUES!!!
