Last weekend we hosted Wairarapa for the 3rd time this season in a Knockout Cup round. Having played in Masterton only a week earlier, we knew that they would be looking to improve on previous performances.
The first few minutes were a scrappy affair, with both teams trying to settle in, but Sarah Gregorious managed to slot home after 5 mins with a cool finish over the incoming keeper to make it 1-0. Ten minutes later Bex Jefferies found herself through on goal after rounding a couple of defenders and her shot scuffed across the face of goal, hitting the post and rolling in to make it 2-0. Shortly after Grego added two more to her tally and Grace McRobie knocked one in after some good build up play to take us into half time at 5-0.
For us, this was a marked improvement, having only been 1-0 up at the half the previous week. But we were conscious that we needed to press on despite the scoreline.
Grego added her final mark on the game in the 58th minute, with Emma Main also coming off the bench to score two of her own. Bex J put her name on the scoresheet for a second time with a long range effort that eluded the Wairarapa keeper. The game went into a lull for a short period, during which Wairarapa pushed additional players forward. They latched onto a mistake just on half way and after some quick interplay launched a stinging shot into the back of the net, a well taken goal and absolutely deserved in terms of effort and perseverance. Carolyn O’Reilly whom had been pushing forward throughout the game particularly for set pieces finally got just rewards scoring from a corner in the 87th minute, the final score 10-1.
Today we host last year’s champions Wellington United, and despite the first round result, we know that this will be a tough battle with both teams trying to play an attractive brand of football. Wellington United currently sit third in the title race, but within touching distance of the top which will ensure a hugely competitive match up. We look forward to hosting Wellington United and their supporters in the clubrooms after the game.
#bleedorange
Gibby
Knockout Cup POD
Vs Wairarapa – Emma Lavery