The Grace Martin Trophy leader board is starting to take shape after we enjoyed another weekend of thrilling football.
The inclement weather had no effect on round five’s fixtures with spectators treated to a full list of matches across the Sunday.
Strathfield – Russell Lea 2-0
Strathfield extended their unbeaten record to three matches after they saw off Russell Lea 2-0 at Strathfield Park.
An even opening half hour could have seen the clash turn in either side’s favour with Hannah Urquhart making a nuisance of herself and causing plenty of headaches for the hosts’ defence.
Photo: Action shot from Strathfield’s encounter against Russell Lea. Credit: MMS Sports Photography
However, Urquhart’s and Russell Lea’s bright start was soon punished with the match’s two goals arriving in the space of two minutes.
Natalie Pajor was the Strikers’ first scorer before Angelique Xenos broke the visitors’ resolve almost straight after the restart.
The three points sees Strathfield jump into second ahead of their meeting with Hurlstone Park tomorrow night while Russell Lea will have to wait until Sunday as they host ACU.
Balmain DFC – Leichhardt Saints 2-3
Saints’ dominance is showing no signs of slowing down after they dispatched for Balmain 3-2 at Callan Park on Sunday afternoon.
Goals were at a premium in the first half with Lucia Gonzalez’s 43rd minute strike handing the visitors the lead as they entered the break.
Photo: ACU player contests for the ball against Leichhardt Saints in their round four clash. Credit: @photographedwithloveevents
Leichhardt continued to press Balmain and were eventually awarded with a double in quick succession courtesy of Aisling Carolan and Madison Wunsch’s goals in the 62nd and 69th minute, respectively.
A determined Balmain side refused to throw in the towel as they responded in the final 10 minutes with two of their own as both Alessia Gangemi and Zoe Zagami made their way onto the scoresheet.
Both sides have this weekend off before they return to action on Sunday May 23. Balmain can look forward to their meeting with ACU while the Saints will be targeting a seventh straight win when they travel to Strathfield.
ACU Football Club – Hurlstone Park 3-0
Hurlstone Park went down 3-0 to ACU in a match where the score line did not necessarily reflect the state of play.
Mark Higgins’ Hurlstone Park were forced to play the majority of the encounter with 10 players due to a raft of injuries.
They were quick to fall behind in this contest with Nicole Ossio making her way onto the scoresheet after just five minutes.
The home side were able to double their advantage before half time with Tricia Collaco coming up with the goods in the 34th minute.
The third and final goal arrived on 76 minutes with Amy Mandato the scorer on this occasion.
Mark had nothing but praise for his Hurlstone Park side despite the final score.
“It was one of the most courageous efforts I’ve seen from our side in the eight years I’ve been involved but lady luck wasn’t with us and ACU took the chances they had,” he said.
A quick turnaround may prove to be the perfect tonic for Hurlstone Park as they prepare to face off against Strathfield on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, ACU have a date with Russell Lea at Queen Elizabeth Park on Sunday.
By CDSFA Communications Officer – Samuel Greco Schwartz
