Ladies Sat Comp:
Strikers defeated in local derby

Ladies Sat Comp:
United ladies beaten in tight contest

Ladies Sat Comp:
Strikers defeated by Hornets

3rd June 2009
Ladies Sat Comp: Strikers defeated in local derby

Port United Strikers 0
Port Macquarie FC 5

Port United Ladies Strikers went down to competition leaders Port Macquarie FC at Dixie Park on Saturday.

The Strikers took to the field without regular goalkeeper Sara Longworth which saw rookie Justyna Hollis step up to the challenge. Although 5 goals were scored against the depleted Strikers outfit, Hollis proved her worth as keeper.

Midfielder Skye Lacey lead the Strikers attack from the middle and gave the forwards every chance to score, though new positional changes saw Mel Sinclair and Ali Black doing it tough against the FC defence.

Newcomer April Styles was a good combination with Lacey in the midfield, often making her own charges through the defence. Araya Ismay is improving with every match with lightning runs down the sideline for the Strikers.

Rare lapses in defence, lead by Nikki Lowe and Tamika Cook, saw FC striker Naomi Abbott take full advantage to score 4 of their 5 goals.

Coach Al Garratt said "The girls looked really good in the first half holding FC out for most of it, although we went to the break 1-0 down I thought we could take the win. Again our fitness let us down and not having our full compliment showed in the end. I'm really pleased with the progress of the team and the new girls are starting to learn the game and improving with every match".

Next week Port United Ladies Strikers take on club compatriots Port United Ladies at Dixie Park. Kick off is at 1.45pm.

- Report supplied by Justin McIntyre, Port United Secretary

21st May 2009
Ladies Sat Comp: United ladies beaten in tight contest

Port United 1 Wauchope 2

An outstanding performance by all ladies against last years champions.

Strong defence by Angela McKenchie, Tina White and Melinda White prevented the opposition from capitalising on a number of opportunities. Goalkeeper, Maryanne Kay was fantastic in providing a source of frustration to the opposing team, stopping many cracking shots from the Wauchope side.

Kate Barnsden, Whitney Shaw, Melanie Pickworth, Shanna Fealey and Felicity Bishop played their role in a fine performance, holding well in the midfield and providing crucial support to our attackers and defenders.

Strikers, Gail Simon and Heidi Lavis were inspirational in their efforts to advance our scoreline, with Gail slotting a spectacular goal in during the late part of the first half.

Photo: United's Heidi Lavis shoots from distance

Despite the teams best efforts, the opposition slotted another goal in the second half, which ended up being the winner.

Despite the loss, all ladies displayed a fine performance on the day. If this was a prelude for things to come, then the team can be a force to reckoned with in the lead up to the finals.

- Report supplied by Justin McIntyre, Port United Secretary

21st May 2009
Ladies Sat Comp: Strikers defeated by Hornets

Port United Strikers 0 Kempsey Hornets 3

Port United Ladies Strikers took on the well drilled Kempsey Hornets team at Tuffins Lane on Saturday. The Strikers went down 3-0 though rookies, Justyna Hollis, Araya Ismay, Toni Power and Christie Power all stepped up to the challenge and improved with every touch of the ball.

Uniteds defense was solid at the back with "sister act" Mary-anne Wright and Alison Black holding the Hornets at bay on several occasions. Tamika Cook was a thorn in the Hornets attack, often cutting down set plays and turning defense into attack. The Strikers goalkeeper, Sara Longworth did her best to save a penalty, getting a finger tip to the ball, though this was not enough to stop the well directed shot. Half time saw United down 2-0.

At the start of the second half, United came out firing with Skye Lacey leading the way in attack. A well placed ball from Lacey to forward Amy Rhodes saw her running away from Hornets defense, though it was called back for off-side. Injuries started to take a toll on the Strikers with Tara Newby and Toni Power retiring to the bench for treatment. Team Captain Nikki Lowe was moved into defense and helped hold the Hornets at bay. Toni Brazel, Tahlia Johnson & Mel Sinclair were at their usual best for United.

Coach Alan Garrett was more than pleased with the girls effort. "We have a whole new outfit this year with only four Port United past players, Nikki Lowe, Skye Lacey, Tara Newby and Tamika Cook. We have a lot of building to do and I'm confident we will be hitting our straps come finals time." United Strikers travel to Wauchope next Saturday to take on last years grand finalists Wauchope BWL.

- Report supplied by Justin McIntyre, Port United Secretary