Heidelberg United make it three in a row

By Christian Fazzari

Photos by Tara Conte

Heidelberg United has continued their impressive form with a 2-0 victory over Altona City at HC Kim Reserve on Sunday.

From the outset Heidelberg dominated possession and put the Altona defence under some immense pressure.

Belinda Pannella was very prominent early constantly finding space and unleashing a couple of strikes on goal, but failed to really test Altona goalkeeper Emma Fonua.

Altona was forced deep in their own half as Heidelberg was constantly on the attack with some fine work in the midfield, but couldn’t get any clear sights on goal thanks to some desperate defending by Altona captain Natalie Vukovic.

On the 15th minute, Heidelberg forward Melanie Camilleri got possession in the box and fired a shot on goal which was superbly blocked by Vukovic and deflected away to safety.

However Altona City couldn’t hold on as the deadlock was broken in the 35th minute after the skilful Pannella dribbled her way into the edge of the six yard box and fired a shot which hit the post. The ball was instantly launched back into the danger area and was tapped home by Katia Tavolaro after the Altona defence couldn’t clear their lines.

Altona City were constantly put under pressure by the Heidelberg forwards and it showed when Lauren Humphreys fouled Pannella from behind after some more lively dribbling in the final third, this resulted in the first yellow card of the game.

Half time couldn’t come any sooner for Altona City who were lucky to only be one goal behind.

Both teams went into the second half unchanged as Heidelberg sought to keep the same line up that dominated the first 45 minutes.

But it was Altona who came out firing in the start of the second half by moving the ball forward and forced an early corner.

Altona had a rare shot on goal on the 50th minute as a long ball found Kerri Little. Little did well to fire a shot on the volley but failed to get in on target as Altona exerted some early pressure.

But it didn’t last long as Heidelberg began to control the game again by keeping possession with neat passing that was so evident in the first half.

This forced Altona into making a change as Laura Athanasiou made way for Kathryn Floros.

Melanie Camilleri started to look lively up forward and forced the Altona goalkeeper into a neat save from close range after a low cross by Michelle Verzi at the near post.

Finally the second goal cushion that Heidelberg was looking for came in the 69th minute. Camilleri got possession in the box with her back to goal and in amongst a sea of players unleashed a superb strike that found the bottom corner of the net. It was a well-deserved goal for Heidelberg United as they were finally rewarded for their eye-catching attacking display throughout the match.

In the 75th minute Sarah Groenewald came off injured after a brave run down the left wing and was replaced by Sarah Alessi.

Altona City almost forced a consolation goal in the 82nd minute after newly substituted Padiki Dade had a clear run on goal but her shot let her down as Heidelberg keeper Katie Neville saved easily.

The win for Heidelberg United keeps them on top of the WPL ladder, Altona City remain in seventh position and face Casey Comets at home again next week, whilst Heidelberg will have a big test on Monday night when they play third-placed Sandringham.