IT’S been a long time between drinks for the Strikers Division One Ladies this season. With only 10 players available for a big day, and two games to play last Sunday, you would be forgiven for writing the Strikers off as having no chance.
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At midday they took the field against Capital League side, Gungahlin United.
Plagued by injuries and with only one win on the board this season Coach Dally advised his stalwart regulars to “Do your best and go and have some fun”.
Gungahlin dominated proceedings from the kick off and the Strikers defence were pushed to the limit, but ably led by the ever cool and calm sweeper, Jayde Riordan, they managed to keep Gungahlin at bay.
Play was concentrated deep in Striker’s territory for the first 20 minutes or so but the home side eventually began to push back and launch some attack of their own.
Having this season’s new comer, Jazz Blades, back from injury in the midfield was having a marked effect on the Striker’s ability to maintain an attack.
Their guts and persistence were to pay off and Carlie Slater scored the first goal of the game much to the jubilation of the team and supporters.
It was a huge confidence booster for the ladies who have struggled mightily to find the back of the net this season.
Although Gungahlin also scored a short time later, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the Strikers.
The second half started off much the same as the first and with Gungahlin having some fresh legs to substitute it was always going to be a danger that fatigue would be a factor in the result of this game.
The Strikers ladies, however, did not allow Gungahlin to dominate them, even as they were quite obviously starting to wilt in a hard game in quite warm conditions.
Both teams scored a goal each in the second half with Ellen Ryan doing the honours for the Strikers, scoring her first goal of the season.
Playing with only nine on the pitch at various times due to giving some girls a brief rest and to have injuries tended, the ladies were greatly relieved with the arrival of Maddi Thorn, who raced back from Canberra to join the Division one team following her Division two match in Canberra earlier in the day.
The indomitable Strikers held on for a very well deserved draw.
It was a very tired but happy team who then headed off to Cookbundoon to take on Crookwell AAW at 3pm in contesting the STFA Association Cup.
The ladies were looking forward to the encounter following an invitation to play for the Cup from the STFA.
The Strikers took the attack to Crookwell right from the kick off and Crookwell were on notice that this was a team to be reckoned with.
After several very close calls the deadlock was broken 10 minutes in with a beautiful goal from just inside the Crookwell half.
Jazz Blades lobbed the ball with unerring accuracy high into the net for a shot that was impossible for the Crookwell keeper to reach.
This was her first ever goal for the Strikers and she was to get another later on from a free kick.
Admittedly, due to the angle of the shot, no one on the side line initially realised the ball had found the net but after momentary silence the cheers were loud and long.
Whilst Crookwell were by no means easy beats and were quite threatening at times, forcing the Strikers defence to sit up and take notice, it was the Strikers who were playing superior football, much to the delight of their supporters and coach Dally.
After the pressure of really hard games all season the ladies were revelling in the chance to control proceedings somewhat.
The Strikers maintained their momentum for the entire match, substitutions giving them a new lease of life.
They were rewarded with a further 3 goals from terrific teamwork.
Ellen Ryan added to her tally for the day and Maddi Thorn pounced on a cross from Ellen Ryan to take the honours for the fourth goal.
Maddi has been backing up for the Division one team after the Division two games for much of the season.
She will play anywhere the coach asks her to and never gives up so the team were absolutely delighted to see her score a goal.
The ladies travel to Canberra for the last time this year next Sunday taking on Olympic Blue and then look forward to the last three games at home.
The Striker’s men’s teams and the Under 14s team are all at home at Strikers Park this Saturday, July 23 with the first game at 11am.
The barbecue will be running hot and the club is also running a fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer research.
There will be delicious homemade cakes and slices so support a good cause and come along to Strikers Park for a cake and coffee combo or a Devonshire tea.
All proceeds from the sale of cakes will go to Ovarian Cancer Australia and we will be taking donations as well.
The Strikers ladies will continue the fundraising up until the end of the season at each of their home games on August 7, 14 and 21.
See Goulburn Strikers FB page for online donation details.
Goulburn Strikers 2 – Gungahlin 2. Goulburn Strikers 4 – Crookwell NIL.