CAMILLERI'S BRACE INSPIRES

HEIDELBERG WIN

By Damien Walsh

Melanie Camilleri put in a spectacular performance for Heidelberg United to help them to a 4-1victory over the Preston Lions yesterday afternoon.

The game started in wet conditions with rain coming down steadily for the majority of the match, however this didn’t hinder the performances of the players in the beginning. In the third minute, Camilleri received a through ball from the midfield into the area, she was able to hold off the tackles for the ball and easily finished past Preston keeper Jaime Floros.

Heidelberg almost had a second goal two minutes later when Camilleri whipped in a corner. Rita Mankowska got up and headed the ball across the face of goal; there was a goalmouth scramble and the ball was eventually played out for a corner. The resulting corner was cleared by the Lions defence.

Preston’s first chance of the game came in the ninth minute with a free kick about 25 yards out from goal, directly in front. Jacinta Mazza stepped up for Preston and delivered for her team. She curled the ball up and over the wall and into the top left corner of the goals. A sublime free kick for the equalizing goal.

Heidelberg were able to hit back straight away. Camilleri got the ball at the corner of the box and held off a defender. She then played the ball through to Sarah Groenewald who crossed the ball in. Belinda Pannella flicked the ball on towards the back post where Julia Nicolaci was able to control the ball on her thigh, and hit it on the half volley into the back of the net.

After this, Heidelberg were able maintain the majority of possession but were unable to produce any quality chances until the 24th minute when a long ball was played to Camilleri. She was able to knock it back for Pannella who set herself but her shot went sailing over the bar.

Possession became more even between the two sides, however, chances were still scarce. Heidelberg had the final opportunity to score in the 45th minute when Michelle Verzi played the ball to Groenewald who then played it into Camilleri. She was able to turn and shoot but her shot went wide to the left of goal.

The teams went into the break with Heidelberg leading 2 – 1 and dominating the game.

The second half began significantly slower compared to the first, with both teams trying to get into gear again.

Heidelberg made a substitution in the 53rd minute with Meghan Archer replacing Penny Bakopoulos. Heidelberg received a corner one minute later; Camilleri crossed the ball in towards the penalty spot and with her first touch of the game Archer headed the ball into the bottom left corner, Heidelberg now up 3-1.

Preston’s only chance in the second half came in the 62nd minute when the received a free kick about 30 yards out directly in front. Mazza stepped up to see if she could repeat her doings in the first half. She aimed for the same corner but this time her shot went too wide.

Heidelberg took back control of the game and two minutes later, after some good pressure in their attacking half, Nicolaci had the ball on the right wing. With few defenders in the box she squared the ball to Camilleri who was open. Camilleri was able to finish and get her second goal of the match.

Possession again became fairly even but no chances were to be seen until the 83rd minute when Jamara Maza played the ball to Camilleri’s feet. She held off a defender and slipped the ball in for Pannella, who got into a good shooting position and let fly but her shot went wide to the right.

The last chance of the game was Heidelberg’s again after a Preston attack was cut out and the ball was played up to Camilleri at the half way line. She turned her opponent magnificently and played a through ball to Pannella. However, Pannella’s shot went high and wide.

Preston will host the Casey Comets next week at BT Connor Reserve while Heidelberg travels to HC Kim Reserve to take on Altona City.

Preston Lions: Jaime FLOROS, Kate CHRISTOFF, Sarah SUMNER, Paula MASSOUH, Diana PICULOVSKA, Kirstie SHEARING, Jacinta MAZZA, Jess CVETKOVSKA, Natalie CHEA (Jaqelene GHIRXHI 45’), Larissa LVERBIK (Dominca DORNING 67’), Bianca ROSANO (Elizabeth EYAR 80’).

Unused Subs: Keryn JOSEPHS.

Yellow Cards: Sarah SUMNER 61’

Goal: Jacinta MAZZA 9’

Heidelberg United: Katie NEVILLE, Rita MANKOWSKA, Jolene MILLER, Penny BAKOPOULOS (Meghan ARCHER 53’), Julia NICOLACI, Michelle VERZI (Dijana JOSEVSKA 67’), Katia TAVALARO (Janelle HOPMAN 80’), Tyla Jay VLAJNIC, Belinda PANNELLA, Sarah GROENEWALD (Jamara MAZA 64’), Melanie CAMILLERI.

Unused Subs: Tara CONTE

Goals: Melanie CAMILLERI 3’, 64’, Julia NICOLACI 11’, Meghan ARCHER 54’