Albion Park continued their dominance of the Builders Club Women’s Division 1 with a resounding 4-0 victory over an attack-minded Woonona side. Albion Park were looking to extend their winning run to six matches this season whilst Woonona were looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season against Kiama in their previous fixture. It was a positive team performance from the home side, with Kristina Glisic bagging a brace, and Brittany Ring picking up player of the match honours on a windy afternoon at Terry Reserve.

It was Woonona with the most threatening moment of the first 10 minutes. A nipping run in behind the Albion Park defence allowed for a cross in from the right flank by Kayla Draper, only for it to be intercepted by the solid defensive work of Albion Park.

Albion Park began to grow into their rhythm particularly quickly. The first real point of danger came from Rylee McGartland as she attempted to replicate goals from previous weeks with a thunderous effort from 25 yards. The ball sailing just over the crossbar on this occasion.

On the 17th minute, a golden chance for the opener was squandered by Casey-Leigh Suttle. Finding herself in a one-on-one situation with Woonona goalkeeper Khalia Rasch, she could not convert with Rasch saving with a strong right-footed stop.

Once again on the 24th minute, Rasch was called into action, again denying Suttle. This time, a palmed save kept out the Albion Park attacker.

It was clear Woonona set out to play without fear against the much-favoured home side. The composure on the ball early in the midfield was proof of this. Despite this, continued positive runs from Ring and also attacking midfielder Renee Crowe made it difficult for the Woonona defensive line to settle.

It seemed to only be a matter of time before the visitors could not hold out any longer and it came on the 32nd minute. A piercing ball through the line by McGartland found the feet of Glisic, where she comfortably found the back of the net.

The dominance in the match began to show after the opener, the home side looking comfortable playing a high tempo passing style, despite the conditions. The composure from central defender and captain Tenaya Davis allowed for this style of play. Her steadiness on the ball accompanied with solid communication from the back made her an imposing figure to beat.

Just seven minutes into the second term and Albion Park – and Glisic – doubled their advantage. Another one-on-one opportunity opened up as she glided past the Woonona defence. A confident finish into the top left-hand corner only demonstrated the swagger of which the home side were playing in now.

Brittany Ring caused headaches all afternoon for the visitors and she came within a coat of paint away from her first of the match when her shot clattered against the post in the 67th minute. Frustration rang out from Ring as it was clear to see how much she was desperate to get her name on the scoresheet.

In the 71st minute the game was put beyond doubt as Suttle was rewarded for her hard work all afternoon with a long-range strike finding itself into the back of the net.

Shortly after on the 75th minute, Ring finally had the goal she desperately craved. She found herself one-on-one with Rasch, where she was clever enough to beat the keeper and put the result beyond any measurable doubt.

After the match, Albion Park coach Richard Davis stated, “It probably wasn’t one of our best games today but I think Woonona played good and put it to us. It was a good test at this time of year to see where we’re at.”

Woonona coach Mick Sutton believed that a couple of missed chances cost his side. “We had a lot of key players out but in saying that the girls played well and we took the game to them in a lot of patches.”

Both sides will now turn their attention to their respective State Cup fixtures next Sunday. The two fixtures will be played at Woonona's Ocean Park where Albion Park will play Glenwood Redbacks while Woonona will be up against Leichhardt Saints FC.

Sunday 13 May 2018 @ Terry Reserve

Albion Park – 4 (GLISIC 32’, 52’, SUTTLE 71’, RING 75’)

Woonona – 0

Albion Park – Aleisha CHESSELL, Renee CROWE, Tenaya DAVIS, Claire DUFFY, Michelle FOSCARINI, Kristina GLISIC, Jessica HANLY, Linda HILLARD, Nicole MCCRACKEN, Rylee MCGARTLAND, Brittany RING, Philippa ROBINSON, Casey-Leigh SUTTLE, Tracie BIRD, Tarah ZWAAN

Coach – Richard DAVIS

Woonona – Khalia RASCH, Sinead BAILEY, Hannah BROADHEAD, Kayla DRAPER, Sara HAMILTON, Ainsley HAWES, Fiona LEAFE, Morgan POTTER, Kate STEWART, Jordan VAN DE VOORDE, Jordan WHEATLEY, Rachelle WILSON, Makayla MOORE, Denisha TYLER

Coach – Mick SUTTON

Referee – Brett MCAULAY

Assistant Referees – Jai RUSSELL, Tom AHLING

Report by Jordan Warren, on Twitter @jwarren0817

Photo by Dylan Arvela, on Twitter @dylanarvela