Brilliant Belconnen blow away Academy
By Mitchell Keenan
Belconnen United 7 (Nicole Jalocha 5’, Jessie Williams 17’, 30’, 58’, 85’, Chloe Callaghan 59’, 86’)def. Canberra United Academy 0
Belconnen United cemented their spot at the top of the PS4 NPLW with a runaway win against the Canberra United Academy at McKellar Park on Saturday night. The Blue Devils earned another clean sheet in as many wins, with a rampant seven goal display against a skilful Academy side, with both sides creating opportunities but the visitors unable to trouble their robust opponents.
The match was a fast-paced affair from the get go, with both sides looking to work the ball and create space in their opponents half, but it was Belconnen who struck early through a close range finish from Cara Cutaia after just six minutes.
The CUA put the pressure back on to the home side, and Jasmine Genovesi took charge of an early free kick but the striker spurned the opportunity, firing high and wide of Jessica Giovinazzo’s goal.
The chances continued for the Academy, with Sarah Morgan and Gemma Murphy both presented good chances in front of goal but failing to capitalise as Belconnen started to look dangerous on the counter attack.
The Blue Devils’ front three began to trouble the CUA backline, and the home side doubled their lead on 17 minutes when Maddy Whittall found Jessie Williams with a well-timed through ball and the striker slotted home with ease.
Belconnen started to open up the game, comfortably playing off an early lead and after a number of efforts calling Sabrina Sanchez into action, the CUA goalkeeper couldn’t keep Williams from claiming an early brace, sending in a pin-point effort from out wide after 30 minutes.
After a number of good chances to either side, Belconnen struck again with two goals in two minutes, with Williams completing her hat-trick in the 59th, and Chloe Callaghan breaking away to catch the CUA out on 6the hour mark.
The Academy kept their heads high and continued to take the game to Belconnen, with striker Genovesi drawing a good save out of Giovinazzo in the 76th minute, but the Blue Devils would see out the game with another quick-fire double from Williams and Callaghan in the 85th and 86th minute.
Belconnen will now look to recover from an intensive season so far in the coming week off, before they face an in-form Gungahlin United in round 15, while the Canberra United Academy will look to bounce back in a tough match with the Woden Weston Wanderers on the 16th of July.
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