Photo by Mark Aveilino
Star forward Melina Ayres scored an impressive double as our Senior Women defeated Heidelberg United 0-2 to claim their first ever win in the National Premier Leagues competition.
The day would commence with all of our NPL female teams playing prior to our senior women, with the highlight of the matches coming from our Under 13 side who had a resounding 3-0 win. This followed on from their outstanding win last weekend away to Box Hill United.
In other positive performances, our Under 15 and Under 18 sides remained undefeated after both matches finished 1-1.
In the senior match, the opening half was a cagey affair, with neither side dominating play at any stage. It would be a touch of brilliance by Melina Ayres after 20 minutes that would see the girls from Lakeside head into the sheds at the break ahead.
The second half was a far more open encounter, with Heidelberg chasing the equalising goal as well as Melbourne’s summer heat having an impact on both sides. Despite having numerous dangerous attacks forward, the central defensive pair of Alex Cheal and Antonia Niteros would remain in control to thwart most of them. Young goalkeeper Cassandra Zaffina would also hold her nerve in goals, making an important one on one save to deny the Bergers an equaliser.
Despite starting the match on the bench through illness, Natalie Martineau would come onto the park with 15 minutes to play and linked up immediately with Ayres to almost double South’s advantage.
With the game edging to a close, it was another calm finish by Ayres from inside the area that would seal the match and give the South girls a much needed three points.
The girls travel to Keilor next Saturday as they take on reigning champions Calder United in a marquee fixture.
PDG Player of the Game : Melina Ayres
AUDIO – SOCRATES NICOLAIDIS INTERVIEW
Substitute Leigh Minopoulos against Heidelberg United (PHOTO: Cindy Nitsos).