Footbal West News

NTC keeper Miranda Templeman gathers as Liana Cook closes in. Photo by Football West

Liana Cook’s first-half double saw Perth SC come from behind to beat Hyundai NTC 2-1 in Albany on Saturday.

The NPLWA Women’s Round Seven clash was part of the Great Southern Regional Festival of Football.

Around 1,000 fans attended the double-header at Centennial Stadium, with this fixture following the Men’s NPL game between Sorrento and Perth Glory, and they were not disappointed.

It was NTC who struck the first blow after only four minutes. Abbey Green played a one-two with Hana Lowry, sped past Tessa De Leo and put in a cross which Judy Connolly diverted past Perth keeper Rebecca Bennett.

The lead lasted barely a minute, though, as Perth, just as they did against Murdoch University Melville and Curtin University, hit back immediately after conceding. Skipper Jaime Duncanson swung over a corner and former NTC player Cook got in front of keeper Miranda Templeman to head in virtually on the goalline.

Cook should have then put Perth in front. Templeman, who had just received treatment after receiving a boot to the side, made a mess of a goalkick by giving the ball straight to Cook. The Azzurri striker could not believe her luck but Templeman made amends by brilliantly palming Cook’s shot on to the post and behind for a corner.

Connolly then had an opportunity of a second but chose to cut inside when she might have been better going straight for goal. Green then got through in a similar position and did drive on, but her effort was too close to Bennett who saved comfortably. And Connolly’s unselfishness was once more costly as she passed to the offside Taneesha Baker instead of having a crack herself.

These wasted chances were put in context not long after when Perth went ahead. Melissa Shepherd played a ball to the unmarked Cook just inside NTC’s area, the defence failed to react and the Azzurri forward had enough time to have a touch before shooting home.

The frenetic nature of the contest lessened after the break. NTC could not get their passing game going and the Perth defence, marshalled impressively by Albany local Jenna Onions, looked comfortable.

In the final 15 minutes NTC did come on strong. Substitute Kate Armstrong did really well to work an opening but sliced her shot wide. Lowry then flashed an effort the wrong side of the post but in the end Perth’s older heads prevailed.

Perth coach Danielle Brogan said: “We worked hard for it, I’d have been really disappointed if we didn’t get the three points.

“We had our chances to put it away, Liana should have had a couple more. It would have been nice to seal it a little bit earlier but I think they like doing this to me.

“It’s been a fantastic weekend and congratulations to everyone on putting it together. The turnout has been unbelievable.”