Ravens rise above UNSW FC with solid win
Gladesville Ravens made a statement of intent in the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition on Sunday afternoon at Christie Park as they dismantled UNSW FC 4-2.
Four quickfire goals in the first 45 minutes got the job done for the high-flying Ravens, while UNSW made a battle of it with two goals in the second half four it to finish 4-2.
It was the home side that started the game on the front foot, Patty Charalambous hitting the bar with an excellent volley struck from outside the box that came off the crossbar inside the first 10 minutes.
The Ravens hit the front right on 10 minutes through Isabella Habuda.
A great ball over the top of the defence by Breanna Buccini found the pacey striker who made no mistake with the finish.
Ten minutes later the Ravens doubled their advantage.
Habuda and Buccini involved once more as the striker’s effort rebounded off the upright, straight into the path of Keiko Tanaka who had the awareness to tap the ball home.
Two became three in a matter of minutes.
Dead ball specialist Lexie Moreno lined up a free kick from well outside the box, curling the ball expertly over the wall and into the back of the net.
The Ravens continued their pressure and Habuda should have added another but hit her uncontrolled effort well over the bar.
Tanaka almost had her second direct from the corner, only for Sabine Montenegro to head the ball away off the line onto the crossbar and out.
With half time approaching, UNSW had their first chance at goal, Amanda Levaskevich shooting just wide of the target.
It didn’t take the home team long to make it four, a poor give away by UNSW goal keeper Alexandra Hinson saw Tanaka grab her second by placing the ball from some way out into an empty net.
Habuda then almost made it five, her volley cannoning back off the crossbar, not for the first time in the game.
There was one more chance for the Ravens to extend the lead, a delightful ball into the area from Charalambous found Habuda who could not beat Hinson.
There was a lot more intent from the visitors from the off in the second half as they appeared to step higher.
UNSW was then awarded a penalty after Tiana Petkovski was pulled back in the area.
Allira Toby stepped up to the spot and spotted her effort beyond Romina Parraguirre in the Ravens goal.
The visitors then made it 4-2 as substitute Marcella Santos with more or less her first touch slotted the ball into the far bottom corner.
Habuda should have made it 5-2 but Hinson once more saved well.
UNSW should have cut the advantage to one goal when Toby had a fantastic opportunity from a free kick just outside the area, but was not able to make Parraguirre work for the save.
With time ticking toward full time, Toby received her marching orders after getting her second yellow card, extinguishing any home of a grandstand finish.
Match Stats
Gladesville Ravens 4 (Habuda 10’, Tanaka 19’, 35’, Moreno 21’)
UNSW 2 (Toby 53’ Santos 62’)
Christie Park, Macquarie Park
Sunday, 31st March 2024
Gladesville Ravens: 22. Parraguirre, 4. Lidbetter (13. Milton), 5. Tanaka (27. Villa), 6. Davey, 8. Halls, 9. Moreno, 23. Allen, 26. Buccini (18. Brewis), 33. Charalambous (10. Wootton), 51. Habuda (7. Pountney).
Subs Not Used: 1. Coleman.
UNSW FC: 21. Hinson, 4. Toby, 5. Puxty, 6. Smith (3. Maguire), 7. Levaskevich, 8. Murphy, 9. Petkovski, 13. Humphrey (24. Dal Pane), 15. Montenegro, 33. Montegut (11. Santos), 88. Moore.
Subs Not Used: 17. Charak, 29. Medaglia, 31. Gilhawley.
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By – Nikola Pozder
