Only two matches were played across the rain-affected weekend, with one game each from the Bill Brackenbury Cup and Grace Martin Trophy.
Read below to find out what happened.
Grace Martin Trophy
Leichhardt Saints B 1-2 Concord A
It was a very wet Sunday afternoon with an incredible volume of rain having fallen in the preceding days coupled with a monstrous wind that changed direction without warning.
Thankfully, Rudd Park had drained brilliantly and a full complement of officials had braved the awful conditions to ensure the match went ahead.
Saints came into this match looking to avenge their 8-0 loss early in the season and it did not look good for them early on, with their keeper Sophie Graham, needing to make three very impressive saves to stop Concord from taking the lead.
Leichhardt were playing an almost counter-attack style of game with Ruby Bruce and Lilli Taranto looking dangerous on the right flank. In fact, it was Leichhardt who took an unexpected lead when a lose ball found its’ way to Chloe Downey who scored her first goal of the season.
After half time Concord lifted the intensity and a move directly from the kick-off saw a shot from the striker hit the crossbar. The next 20 minutes saw multiple shots on goal including another past the outstretched hands of Graham, only to bounce off the crossbar.
Finally, a play wide to the right saw Alana Angelis cross right from the goal line to Alyssa Wedd for the equalising goal.
The wind and rain continued as did the push from Concord with many promising plays thwarted by the difficult conditions and gritty Saints defence. Eventually, one of the attacks saw Lauren Angelis with the ball just at the top of the penalty box who directed a perfect pass to Mieka Figg who found the net to put Concord ahead for the first time.
The match finished during a brief break between showers with both teams walking off soaked to the skin having put on a thoroughly engaging game of football.
Bill Brackenbury Cup
LFC Sports 3-1 Marrickville Red Devils
LFC Sports were desperate for a win to keep in touch with the top four and they got what they needed against a Marrickville team still struggling at the bottom end of the table.
The match was played under heavy rain and LFC Sports took the lead with a goal to Massimo Mascarello. The early lead led to a series of chances for the Lakemba, but despite at least three opportunities they were unable to score a second.
Marrickville capitalised on Lakemba’s poor conversion rate and equalised against the run of play through Rohan Sriram midway through the first half.
Just as Lakemba were getting worried, they restored their lead just before half time when Aman Hadid made it 2-1.
The second half was more of the same with Lakemba creating multiple chances, with Mohammad Bagiri sealing the three points for LFC.
It as not the most impressive performance, but the win and three points were crucial for LFC as they stay in touch with the top four.
Feature image credit: Photographed with Love
