Saturday’s Round 15 of FMNC ladies soccer saw Port City Bowling Club FC ladies come up against Port Saints at Findlay Park.
The first half of the game found FC struggling to keep the ball in the attack, with many passes going wide. A number of opportunities to attack the Saints’ goal were denied, with the Saints defence forcing the FC attackers to the sideline. The FC backline found themselves sprinting back as the Saints midfielders placed some well positioned passes through to their forward line. FC keeper Elly Crowther was placed under pressure by the Saints forwards on several occasions.
The second half started badly for FC, when a series of miss kicks resulted in the Saints ladies gaining the ball in front of the FC goal mouth. Crowther once again stepped up and saved the shot. FC quickly recovered and saw a return to their normal game when a string of well placed passes had the ball in front of the Saints’ goal. Once again the Saints defenders proved too strong and FC were unable to finish off.
With only 10 minutes left in the game and the scoreline still at nil-all, both teams continued to fight hard for possession. An excellent through ball from the FC midfield saw Jacqui Parlevliet make a half-field sprint towards the Saints’ goals. A well placed pass to fellow forward Rachel Bax and FC finally managed to edge the ball past the Saints goalie.
In an effort to equalise, Saints pushed their midfield into attack and the FC backline found themselves facing five attackers. Good communication and support within the FC team denied the Saints their much needed goal.
With only two rounds of the season left, FC now sit a comfortable fourth position on the ladder. Next weekend’s game will be a home game at Tuffins Lane against Port United, who are currently in third place.
