AFTER a successful season opener for both divisions, the Busselton Soccer Club women were hoping for more of the same when they played Eaton-Dardanup at home this week.
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The Redback’s were expecting tough matches and the end result was a mixed bag, though still encouraging.
The Reserve’s went down 2 – 0, but given the nature of the game and the big improvement shown in the second half, there are still positive signs to take away.
Two consecutive injuries in the first five minutes of the match, saw some major reshuffling of players and left Busselton’s bench with the bare minimum of substitutions.
Eaton-Dardanup took full advantage while the Redback’s were in disarray to open up the opposition backline and post their first goal.
Busselton regained their composure gradually and had the upper hand in the second half, but the experienced Eaton backline repelled every scoring opportunity.
A poorly executed offside trap gifted Eaton with the second goal, as they waltzed in to wrap up the match.
Karen McCahon played a courageous game for the Redback’s, and there were also solid contributions from midfielder Jackie Terrance and Emmy Hayward who played all over the park.
The Busselton League side were ruthless in a 6 – 1 demolition of Eaton- Dardanup.
Eaton have a reputation as a physical, hard tackling team and they did not disappoint in this respect, but the Redback’s raised the bar another notch in their response and every player contributed.
The game did not start well for the home side, when a defensive mix up resulted in the first goal being easily scored by Eaton-Dardanup.
But that was as good as it got for the visitors and Busselton just got better as the game progressed. Ariana Longmore opened the scoring for the Redback’s, followed by a goal by Sarah Bruning to finish the first half at 2 – 1.
The second half was Busselton’s best, piling on another four goals while Eaton had no answer.
Elisha Saltarini and Keeley Milner kicked two each.
While the Redback’s gelled beautifully all over the pitch, special mention must go to Indiana Lysaght who presented for everything in the backline, Talisa Homer in the middle, and Bruning who was a focal point at striker and narrowly missed a spectacular Wayne Rooney inspired bicycle kick which just sailed over the bar.
