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Words and images by Craig Stockdale
Such was the case on the weekend when the NTC U17 Girls had a 2-2 draw with the Casey Comets who managed to secure an equalizer late in the game under very contentious circumstances.
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Pittsy’s Pencils is aka Scott Pitts - the father of NTC U17 Girls Captain – Jessica Pitts and for this reason we forgive any bias shown in his article!
So hold onto your bootbags as here we go with the rundown of events of the big match :-
The young NTC U17 girls came up against a much more physically imposing Casey Comets who looked to intimidate the NTC girls especially across the defensive line where we were without two of our regular taller defenders suffering injuries from previous weeks.
Nevertheless, with clean possession the strategy, it didn't seem to bother the NTC girls at all as they stuck to their game style which is clearly improving every week that passes. The NTC girls once again displayed very slick ball movement across the pitch that kept cutting the Casey Comets apart in midfield, but they couldn't take advantage of their good work by registering up forward on the scoreboard.
Nearly every shot that looked like going in from the boot of the NTC forwards was stopped by the very committed and talented Casey goalkeeper Stephanie Dwyer. The ball was bouncing from end to end with Casey always looking to enact body contact and if they couldn't get the ball, they tried their hardest to make their presence felt and to the credit of the NTC girls they rode every bump.
Once again, even though the NTC U17 girls had the majority of possession, Casey were the first to score at the 25 minute mark through a set play that saw Laura Croft deliver a header past the outstretched arms of NTC keeper Jamie Brown. Regardless of the early goal by Casey, the NTC U17 girls remained upbeat and never swayed from their game style continuing to push forward and generating many more chances but with no luck.
It was not until the 35 minute mark that a positive buildup of play from out of the backline through the midfield saw a well-timed through ball out wide to NTC forward Emily Harbis who ran on and scored an incredible goal just sneaking the ball past the talented Casey keeper’s finger tips to make it 1 all. The remainder of the first half was much of the same with both teams generating opportunities but the score remained 1 all at half time.
The second half started the same as the first half with both teams generating multiple chances early but the obvious physicality on the ball was certainly lifted by Casey with some questionable tactics and tackling. Casey also lifted their work rate and the NTC girls responded accordingly with some excellent ball movement across the pitch which Casey couldn't match.
Once again NTC girls were unable to capitalise on their forward movements until a contentious tackle by Casey on an NTC player resulted in the awarding of a free kick just outside the box. Up stepped the NTC Captain Jess Pitts who converted the set shot with an incredible looping finish into the top right hand corner of the net to register goal number 2 for the NTC team and a handy lead.
The NTC girls were pumped up and their confidence lifted as a result of this imposing strike. Playing some impressive football, it looked like late into the game, they had this one sown up for the three points. Not quite. With the final whistle imminent, a very questionable tackle on NTC defender Alexi Garcia, saw her hit the deck writhing in pain and considerable discomfort. She tried to standup but could not regain her footing. The game should have been halted for the injured player but instead it continued.
Girls were pleading for the ball to be kicked out but play pressed ahead only to the disadvantage of the NTC U17 girls culminating in a questionable handball penalty against NTC defender Jaimee Williams in the box. The resulting penalty provided Casey the opportunity it needed and Laura Croft secured her brace with a solid strike to tie the game 2 all in the dying minutes.
It was a controversial end to an entertaining contest between the two teams with the NTC U17 girls remaining upbeat and playing the game out right until the end. Well done girls – we are proud of your efforts and attitude towards tough opponents on the day.
And thanks to Scott Pitts for his very astute account of the game.
The NTC U17 Girls will now travel to Cairnlea next Sunday to face the music while Casey will host Bundoora United in a Friday night fixture.
NTC U17 Girls 2 (Harbis 35’, Pitts 62’) drew with Casey Comets 2 (Croft 25’ 90+1’)
NTC U17 Girls: 1. Jamie BROWN [GK], 2. Giulia SEPE, 3. Jaimee WILLIAMS, 6. Adriana TARANTO, 7. Emily HARBIS, 8. Melissa TARANTO, 10. Jess PITTS, 12. Alexi GARCIA, 13. Annabel MARTIN, 18. Beattie GOAD, 19. Janna LAWSON
Interchange: 11. Noel BOERSMA, 17. Edith FORDYCE-CROCKER, 20. Lucinda KOLITSIS
Casey Comets: 1. Stephanie DWYER [GK], 22. Sharnoah HURLEY, 4. Rachel BINNING, 21. Harriet CORDNER, 8. Shaunna MURRAY, 3. Laura CROFT, 2. Antonia NITEROS, 16. Stevie WHISSON, 10. Candela FERREYRA-BAS, 9. Angela DURTON-RYAN, 17. Tayla VLAEMINCK
Interchange: 6. Sheridan DUDLEY, 7. Annie REMMAN, 11. Natasha WERAGODA, 14. Katelyn LEE, 15. Charlie WEST