The Senior Women took to the pitch on Sunday afternoon for the opening round of the 2016 Women’s State League season. It was a physical encounter in the Melbourne Derby at Somers Street against their arch rivals at Melbourne Knights FC.
In just the second minute, Natalie Martineau was taken out whilst on a run down the left flank. The resulting free kick from captain Alex Cheal was headed back into the fray by Caitlin Greiser. Rachel Jarvis chested it down, turned and her shot found its way past two defenders and the keeper to give South the early lead.
The experienced combination of Cheal and Martineau would be in the action later in the first half to deliver South’s second goal. Cheal with the throw in found Martineau unmarked some 25 yards out. One touch and Martineau then launched the shot from range, finding its way off the bottom of the crossbar and down into the net to double the lead for the visitors.
South continued to apply pressure in the second half but were unable to add to their lead despite multiple opportunities. The final whistle sounded, giving Socrates Nicolaidis’ squad a 0-2 win on the road in the first State League fixture of the year.
Next week the team is on the road again, travelling to meet Ballarat Eureka Strikers in Round 2.
In the Reserves, Cleo Taliadoros scored an equalising goal in the second half as the girls drew 1-1 with the Melbourne Knights.
FINAL SCORE: MELBOURNE KNIGHTS 0-2 SOUTH MELBOURNE (HT: 0-2)
Goal Scorers:
0-1: Rachel Jarvis (4′)
0-2: Natalie Martineau (33′)
SMFC Starting XI:
1. Hayley DRAIN (GK), 3. Alex CHEAL (C), 7. Renee LASZCZAK, 8. Natalie MARTINEAU, 11. Rebecca LEE, 12. Dakota THYSSEN, 13. Rachel JARVIS, 15. Katie TSALIKIDIS, 17. Caitlin GREISER, 18. Sara ALBERICI, 31. Therese JAROCH.
SMFC Substitutes: 1. Coco MAJSTOROVIC, 4. Moriah BROADBENT-HOGAN, 6. Alanah GIULIANO, 9. Shannon FODEN, 14. Deryal AZIZ.