Port City Bowling Club sponsored Port FC ladies came up against Port United in round 16 of FMNC ladies soccer. With half their regular midfield and forward line away a number of FC ladies found themselves playing in unfamiliar positions. The FC ladies struggled to maintain possession in the first 20 minutes of the game as players settled into their new roles.
Port FC keeper Elly Crowther was kept on her toes the whole game and came away with some brilliant saves. Port United scored early in the first half when a save by Crowther rebounded into play and was collected by a United player. Despite a valiant effort by Crowther, who managed to get her finger tips to the ball, United managed to sneak the ball in just below the bar.
FC backline of Julie Casey, Gemma Gore, Cath Bigg and Ceejay O’Millane were under constant pressure through out the game. Pushing up to halfway, the FC backs played a short field and were able to force a number of off-side penalties, frustrating and interrupting the momentum of the United attack. A slippery goal mouth in the second half added to FC’s difficulties with a number of slips allowing the United attack to steal past.
Midfielders Caitie Prior and Bella Mottee maintained pressure in the centre of the field, creating a number of opportunities for forwards Rachel & Bree Bax to attack the United goals. Port United defence proved too strong and FC were unable to push through to score.
Good communication and support among the FC ladies kept up morale and they fought to the final whistle. End game saw Port United come away with a 4 — 0 win
With only 1 round of the season left FC ladies next game will be at Camden Haven. A win against Camden Haven in the final round will secure FC’s fourth position on the ladder.
