The Weekly Wrap

The Western United weekend wrap up is a quick-fire around the grounds summary of results from our NPL 3 men’s and NPLW women’s teams.

This report sums up the games from the weekend ending Sunday 11 July 2021.

NPL 3 – Western United Academy Teams

On Friday night, both Western United academy teams were looking to continue their winning form against strong and difficult Geelong SC sides.

The seniors, away at Stead Park, found it difficult to create many chances with Geelong enjoying the majority of possession in United’s defensive half and breaking through prior to the break to lead 0-1.

Head coach Ante Moric’s changes proved instrumental in the second half with United gaining the upper hand throughout the half and ultimately equalising with 14 minutes remaining through Rhys Bozinovski’s individual brilliance. The crafty midfielder picked up the ball outside of the goal area and skipped past four defenders before calmly scoring from an acute angle.

The remainder of the second half was a tense clash between two determined sides but it was another brilliant moment from Bozinovski in the final minute of the match who scored his second goal with a 35 yard strike to win the match and send the United faithful into raptures.

The Under-21’s side had a more comfortable win with James Tountas scoring a sublime freekick, picking out the top right corner from 25 yards out. Samuel Ghobrial and Greg Siamoa each also scored in the second half to put the game beyond Geelong’s reach.

The two wins keep the morale high at the club with the seniors remaining in third place and also move one point behind second place after Doveton SC lost to Melbourne City, while the Under-21’s sit seventh.

NPL 3 vs Geelong SC

Final score: 2-1 win

Goal scorers: R.Bozinovski (76’, 89’)

NPL 3 Under 21’s vs Geelong SC

Final score: 3-1 win

Goal scorers: J.Tountas (32’), S.Ghobrial (50’), G.Siamoa (79’)

NPLW – Calder United

The Calder United sides enjoyed a high scoring weekend hosting Box Hill United at home.

The seniors continued their winning form with an important 3-0 win and maintaining their third position on the ladder.

Harriet Withers opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a beautifully placed 20-yard strike and Julia Sardo, eight minutes later, went one better scoring from 27 yards. Late in the second half, Natasha Dakic tapped home an inch-perfect Adriana Taranto freekick to seal the match.

The Under-19’s set the tone for the day with a convincing 4-1 win prior to the seniors game and also secured outright second position on the ladder.

NPLW vs Box Hill United

Final score: 3-0 win

Goal scorers: H.Withers (23′), J.Sardo (31’), N.Dakic (72′).

NPLW Girls Under 19’s vs Box Hill United

Final score: 4-1 win

Goal scorer: T.Stella (4′), O.De La Plaza-Sanchez (8′), A.Ramel (70′), M.Mathews (83′)