Stocky's Scribbles: FFA Futsal National Titles

During this year’s FFA Futsal National Titles in Canberra, we will be following the fortunes of the Victorian U14 Girls team as they strive to improve on their semi-final finish in the 2011 edition. Day to day Craig Stockdale will keep you updated with a match report and photos from their latest fixture as they represent their state and sport with pride;




Victoria 4 (Dani Gudelj x2, Amy Silver, Madeline Stockdale) def. South Australia 1

Well what a fantastic first game against South Australia! Having beat us 4-1 in last year's Championships, everyone was looking forward to seeing how the girls shaped up this time around, and if the extra year of preperation had paid off.

What a difference a year has made as the Vics began the first half very strongly with an attacking 3:1 formation. The starting four of Maddie Stockdale (c) Lucy Kennedy (vc) Emma Heckenberg (vc) and Amy Silver (first year player) were ably supported by Elizabeth Sarcevic in goal and Victoria scored early.

Coach John Perich was very strategic and withheld some of his aces as NSW Thunder were watching every move. The intensity of the game was evident with many physical challenges being made by the Vics and their hunger to succeed first game back obvious. Silver was in fine form early pressuring the opposition and constantly seeking the mistakes that would see her score the first goal of the game. What a start!!!

With Silver and Heckenberg making some amazing runs through the middle and the many turnovers from added pressure by Kennedy and Stockdale, our dominance impacted the game early. Perich then introduced Alicia Vakapoulos for Heckenberg along with Dani Gudelj up front and these two talented experienced players had an immediate impact on the game.

Gudelj slotted two very quick goals into the net from great play and stamped herself as a threat for any team watching *cough* Thunder *cough*. The pocket rocket won the Melbourne Futsal League Open Women's Best and Fairest last year aged only 13 and she was here in Canberra to show everyone her form and prowess.

Sarcevic was amazing in saving several shots on goal - throwing herself across the floor and ensuring Victoria was off to the best possible start. Her ability to repel quality shots on goal is a valuable asset that will frustrate many teams here in Canberra this week.

The first time players of Katrina Bellesis, Charlotte Bartyl and Sienna Go played like seasoned campaigners defending well and creating many shots on goal in the second half. Bartyl and Bellesis used their physical presence well and Go was very strong in defence repelling many attacks from the South Australians.

Heading into the second half with a 3-0 lead, the Vics were willing to defend their lead and withstood an aggressive attack by the opposition.

Kennedy was outstanding in central defence and split the middle wide open with some short sharp passing that rattled the opposition. Heckenberg and Vakapoulos both have raking left foots and together are major headaches for opposing coaches. Stockdale scored on her left foot in response to a South Australian goal and Bartyl was thrown into goal to rest Sarcevic from the constant onslaught by the Southies.

With many attempts on goal unsuccessful in the second half, Victoria came away easy winners with a solid 4-1 win against quality opposition. This was a stark contrast to the 4-1 loss against the same team last year and sent a message to the NSW contingent that the Vics are back in 2012.

Craig Stockdale reporting from Canberra National Futsal Championships 2012 for The Football Sack.

Read all of Stocky's futsal reports by clicking here.