The Eden Killer Whales ladies’ soccer team battled out a hard fought 2-1 victory over a young Merimbula Grasshoppers side on Sunday, securing the club its second consecutive minor premiership.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Captain-coach Deb Heron and striker Kamilla Grubesic did the damage for Eden, with the result also keeping their unbeaten record in tact this season.
With Bhud Clark missing from the back line with a broken cheek bone, Amber Seckold unable to make the game at the last minute and Jaimie Christensen under the weather, it proved to be a tough day at the office for Eden.
Heron opened the scoring early in the first half, heading the ball past the Merimbula backline to run through and slot the ball under the ’keeper.
Soon after, Grubesic pounced on a fumble by the Merimbula goalie to take the score to 2-0.
It looked like being another resounding win for the away side, but Merimbula had other plans.
Heron said two brilliant efforts from goalkeeper Tanya Waites were all that prevented the Grasshoppers from pulling one back before halftime.
“Tanya saved two penalties in the first half after a handball in the box,” she said.
“The first hit the bar, however the referee ordered it be re-taken and ‘Tan’ proved herself up to the task, earning herself player’s player in the process.”
A tightened defensive Merimbula unit was outstanding after conceding the early goals, with Eden unable to find the right weight on their passes and crosses up front.
The Grasshoppers finally managed something to show for their efforts with a goal after some confusion in the Killer Whales’ defence and with just a minute of the match remaining, to take Eden’s conceded goals tally to just seven all season.
Heron said her side will be wary of a “dangerous” Tathra outfit in their final home and away game in Eden on Sunday.
“A win or draw will secure them third place, but a loss will more than likely mean it will come down to for-and-against between them, Wolumla and Merimbula for the two remaining positions in the top four,” Heron said.
“Tathra have some speedy youngsters and an excellent ’keeper, having only conceded 12 goals this season.
“We can’t afford to be complacent or cocky on Sunday if we want to maintain our unbeaten record.
“We should have everyone back on the pitch and will be looking to get back to our best with the finals just around the corner.”
Kick-off on Sunday is at 11.20am, at the Eden soccer field.
