17 Jun
Another win on the board
The ladies hosted Knox in round 7, last time we played Knox was in the 1st round of the Gwen Wright Shield we played them at their ground and was amazed at how far back their back line played into their own half. They employed the same tactic this time around and the result was the same a one nil win to Western United. The goal came late into the 1st half when Cristina Martinez took a free kick from the right wing and curved the ball into the penalty area where it fell to Sarah Kotvas feet and she poked it into the net. We had a few other chances by Rochelle Salita
but the the defence was too strong. The second half saw pretty much the same tactic by Knox but it did give the girls from Western the opportunity to move the ball around and get some experience in one twos and running off the ball which they are not given too much in other games. Still a good effort by Western and still looking on track to taking the championship. Good news with the return of Emily Taylor for our away game to Lillydale on the 11th of July, Emily has been over seas for the last 9 months and is keen as mustard to play. Keep up the good work girls, what ever the mind can concieve and believe it will achieve.
31 May
They have that fighting spirit
The ladies played host to Berwick on saturday in a cold and windy setting at VU. The 3pm kick off saw the wind pick up from earlier and made playing conditions a litte uncomfortable.The mostly inexperienced Berwick side held the Western Uniter ladies to nil all at half time thanks to some strong defending from a couple of older players from Berwick who used their bodies and arms to rough up a couple of United players. It was decided that Western would take it to them in the second half and not be intimidated by any rough play, and show that we can be agressive too. Not too long into the second half Anita Bonicci ran on to a high ball knocked in from the left by Alisha Newman, as discussed at half time about keep on running Anita followed instructions and in a 50/50 with the keeper knocked the ball into the net whilst colliding with the keeper. The collision was judged fair by the ref and the goal stood, however the keeper was down for some time with a knock to the ribs. At this point United started moving the ball around and taking advantage of the space created on the left wing by Melody Loftus who was rewarded for all her hard work all day with a goal after a fantastic solo run from inside our defensive half and into the penalty area to slot one home. All the team lifted and have shown just how much they have improved in their skill and palying abilities. It was pleasing to see Laura Scherman make an overlapping run from full back to the attacking wing but what was more pleasing to see was Joylee Loftus quick thinking in covering the full back position to block the hole. An excellent effort ladies keep up the good work all of you, it is good to see that fighting spirit and some toughness coming into your game.
25 May
BARNETT HITS 50
In his 93rd appearance Michael Barnett has turned in a match winning performance underlight's to bring up his 50th goal for the club.
The 2006, 2007 and 2008 club golden boot brought up the special milestone with his second of three goals for the night in what was a typical Barney goal, with head down he barged his way into the box and shrugged off the defenders and belted it past the keeper running off to the corner to celebrate like only he can.
It was his 5th hat-trick for the club and also the fourth time he has scored three goals in a half.
Barney since his move to the west from the Mooroolbark Knights back in 2004 has fought his way to become one of the first players selected in the side and is one of the most respected guys around the club.
Across his 93 games his impressive average of 1.83 games per goal just shows hows consistent of a performer he has been and hopefully there is a lot more to come as he sets out to chase down the leading goalscorer Stuart Evans. With 51 goals now on the board and Barney and the team starting to hit their straps, 2009 could be one of his best seasons to date, to start to peg back Evans's gigantic tally of 112.
23 May
Ladies Round 5 game
Western Ladies palyed host to Sherbrooke this week in a round 5 match, with 3 players still out we put up a fine performance with the back line solid as a rock causing Hannah in golas to only touch the ball a couple of times in the game, (not the most exciting game for Hannah) however still good for the team. The midfield moved the ball around well and combined well with the forwards however goals were lacking in the first half with Alisha Newman scoring the only goal. We had many cahnces but just lacked the finishing. The second half started pretty much the same as the first but then a spark seemed to ingnite in the team and what was lacking in the first half came to the fold to see Alsiha Newman score another two goals while Melody Loftus slotted two goals home the second a well struck shot after a good run down the wing and then cutting into the box. Other chances were missed Mim Anderson scored only to have it disallowed for off side, Joylee Loftus put in a good performance with a couple of shots from her not too far away from scoring. Good to have Cristina Martinez back but she was so frustrated none of her shots hit home, but next week should be better with a game under her belt after returning from illness. Anita Bonnici had another strong game clearing well from defence and not afraid to use her head even when the ball was coming at speed. Another pleasing result, keep up the good work ladies one game at a time and the silverware can be ours. We are sitting 2nd on the same points as Crossway who are 1st, they beat us 3-0 at their ground but should never have done so, but we will make amends when we meet them at home in round 10.
19 May
Round 2 Ladies Shield
The ladies travelled to Millgrove on the weekend to play Yarra Valley in the 2nd round of the Gwen Wright Shield.From the kick off Yarra Valley had united on the back foot and kept the pressure up for about 20 minutes, where upon they were 3 nil up and things looked shakey until Anita Bonnici was put on to their number 4 who was their big play maker in the middle of the park. Beck Evans was told to tighten up the defense and close down the room Yarra Valley were creating in the middle of the park. Shortly after Sarah Kotvas slotted the ball past the keeper after a run down the left side by Melody Loftus was knocked into the box. Jess Barnett was next to score when she took advantage of a loose ball in the penalty area and scored with her left foot. Yarra Valley responded with a cracker of a goal from the right wing and that was the score at half time. We did not expect to win going to Millgrove with 4 good players out however we were pretty positive at half time and in the second half took the game to Yarra Valley. United had a couple of chances to grab a couple of goals but the finishing just let us down a little. All in all it was a teriffic effort and result by the Ladies team and now we look forward to playing some games at home. This week we meet Sherbrooke at VU 1pm kick off, a win could see usgo from 4th spot on the ladder to 1st as only one point separates us from the leader and 1st plays 3rd this week with the team in 2nd spot playing 5th. If the 3 teams above us draw we will be clear on top by 1 point, all we need to do is win and get a few goals on the board to help our percentage. Keep up the good work girls, lets make this our year.
12 May
Round one of Ladies Gwen Wright shield
The ladies team travelled to Knox for the 1st round of the Gwen Right Shiels on saturday minus a couple of key players.After a slow start the team got their act together and moved the ball around well. Knox played a very defensive game with the back line packed and closing any attack down with 2 or three palyers. The girls tried in vain to score but to no avail with the first half ending scoreless. Durng the half time break we decided to up the tempo as Knox seemed to be setting a slow pace and our girls went along with it. The second half saw many opportunities to score and when Alisha Newman got the ball on the wing at the halfway line beating 3 players on her way to the penalty area we were sure this would be a goal, but she missed just to the left of goals. More opportunities were had and when a loose ball eluded the defense Alice Stoiden followed it into the box and slotted a left footer home as the keeper tried to close her down. It was a very pleasing result as a few changes were made to the normal line up with Guiliana and Anita playing in the back line due to injuries to Mandy, and Mel Zerafa, and Cristina and Laura not being available. This week we travel to the Yarra Valley for the second round of the shiels without our 2 strikers but we have a plan in place which might just get us over the line.
09 May
The Great Maul Of China
A severely undermanned Western United B finally saw off a tenacious Chinese Reformed FC at VUT this evening. After having just witnessed the United firsts maintain its all-time unbeaten run over Canterbury in Division 2, the reserves took the field missing regular star Goal keeper Davis, Seedhom as well as Parker and Evans, who have scored 13 goals between them so far this campaign. In a magnificent demonstration of depth in squad under the leadership of Nelson, United cemented its place at the summit of the table with 2 fines strikes from the much in-form Manuel Fuentes. His season stalled initially as registration issues meant a wait on the sidelines. However, a goal last week in the spanking of Mitcham and 2 crucial strikes today give United another string to its attacking bow. In fact, it could have been a hatrick near the end after the bar was rattled; the follow up falling to Sayers who unusually could not capitalise.
Western United will be mighty pleased with the win today. Given the enforced changes made during the week, it was a squad that could be excused for feeling slightly unsure of itself. However, standin goal keeper Mernone made some outstanding saves and was rewared with a clean sheet.
Fuentes and co. ensured the 100% record now reaches 5 matches (7 in all). Confidence will be high as United heads off to Bayswater next week in the 1st round of the Cup, welcoming back 4 or 5 of its regulars in the process as well as celebrating Millar's 100th appearance for the club.
02 May
Raiders of the Lost Football Match
Western United continued to stamp its authority on Division 5 as it demolished Mitcham Raiders 7-1 at VUT this afternoon. It is United 4th win in succession allowing the club to maintain its 100% record thus far. Evans started the rout with first a header from a Seedhom pin-point cross and then a 1 v 1 with the keeper. Parker then made up for his earlier profligacy with 2 further fine strikes as United went in at halftime 4 goals to the good.
Manuel Fuentes, playing in his first match for the club this season then made it 5 with a fine solo effort down Mitchams right. Parker duly completed his second hatrick of the season to make it 6 and finally, Evans repaid the debt to Seedhom from earlier on by putting the fine defensive midfielder in. Seedhom slid home his first goal for the club in living memory after having been out of action since a practice match back on March 26. Mitcham managed a consolation goal right at the death after a corner appeared to go straight in.
United should be well pleased with the efforts at home today. The passing was purposeful, the defense looked calm and in control and fowards were able to finish off 7 well crafted opportunities from Sayers, Teng, Fuentes (M&M) and Nelson.
To add to the already feel-good atmosphere today, the club sold all its egg/bacon sandwiches. Devlin working wonders with the BBQ like a......good BBQ working kind of guy...
Next week, United will be looking to continue its fine run as it plays host to the Chinese Reformed FC. The club looks forward to seeing plenty more eggs beaten off the pitch and the Chinese beaten on it.
06 Apr
Ladies Here We Go
Western United ladies travelled to Eltham for their first game of the season, with a new look team from last year introducing 6 new players into the fold it was a slow start. The ladies let Eltham dictate the tempo and style of the game for the first half which saw both teams go to half time without any score on the board. After a talk at half time and a bit of re-enforcing by the coach the united squad moved the ball around as they should. Hannah Terry gave all a scare when she came to the ball to stop an attacking player in the penalty area, she dived at the feet of her opposition and was awarded a free kick for her bravery, the opposing player was carried off while Hannah stayed down giving all a scare, she stayed down thinking it was a penalty and was happy when awarded the free and jumped to her feet. 25 minutes into the second half United was awarded a free kick in their half, Cristina Martinez took an excellent fre kick calling out for Alisha Newman out new 13 year old signing to run onto the ball, Alisha obliged and scores a comfortable goal one on one with the keeper. Eltham dropped their heads but not for long and after a couple of free kicks close to goal they seemed to put the pressure on causing Hannah in goals to scramble a great save keeping a clean sheet for our first game, other new players Mandy Greenaway and Anita Bonicci seemed to settle in well into their positions, once all players have a couple of games under their belt together things will gell for the rest of the season. Congratulations Ladies well done!
05 Apr
The Perfect 10
In the 70s, the perfect 10 was Bo Derek. Yesterday at Endeavour Hills, it was the unstoppable Russell Parker. Western United demolished their Berwick rivals 10-0, as Parker went into the record books.
It was Western United's fastest ever hatrick, the most goals scored in a match by an individual, 5, and it was the clubs largest winning margin since defeating the now defunct Seaford 12-0 way back last century in 1999.
Parkers antics began within 3 minutes of the season commencing with his hatrick completed after 19 minutes. United went into the sheds already 5-0 up after a magnificent team move rounded out by Fuentes and an opportunistic strike from Loftis. The rout was completed with further strikes to Sayers including a wonderful free kick, 2 more for Parker and Evans hit the teams 10th from 25 yards with only 2 minutes to play.
The professionalism, focus and sheer skill on display was at times, breathtaking. Whilst the goal scorers often tend to make the headlines, the clean sheet from Debutant Aaron Davis, his men infront of him in Hallett, Klinko, Seedhom and Hingston and the wizardry of Couzman on the right all played massive parts in dismantling a Berwick unit that were not without skill either, but simply lacked any decent execution. United now have 2 weeks to stare at themselves sitting pretty at the pinacle of the table.
Next match we play host to Sherbrooke Arrows and looking to build on the best start to the season by a United team yet.
