SD Raiders FC 1 drew with Blacktown City FC 1
The points were shared in a 1-1 draw between SD Raiders FC and Blacktown City FC down at Ernie Smith Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The first shot of the contest fell to the hosts. Tahlia Voskanian found some space and fired a shot straight at Blacktown City FC custodian Kiara Rochaix.
Set pieces were a big part of the game and SD Raiders FC had a free-kick through Isabella Sultan which was again plucked out of the air by Rochaix.
It was the visitors’ set piece which saw the game’s first goal. A corner was flicked on by Jenny Hughes into the path of Janssen to tap home for Blacktown City FC and it was 1-0.
Starting from the bench, Elin Rosenberg Cemazar entered the game in the 25th minute and was energetic throughout her appearance and wasn’t afraid to shoot from range.
Rosenberg Cemazar also played a huge role in SD Raiders FC’s equaliser. Her combination with Sarah Mandile made space before the cross gave Chloe Hain a simple finish for the equaliser.
Both sides came out of the sheds after half-time ready to go including SD Raiders FC making another change with Abigail Boag making her entrance to the game.
Heading into the final stretch, Elana Topalidis had a golden chance to give SD Raiders FC the lead when the ball broke to her but her shot went straight at Rochaix again.
As the time ticked down, SD Raiders FC had the majority of the chances. Substitute Ellie-Leigh Lontis had a strong run which finished with a shot wide of the mark.
The substitutes were making an impact for SD Raiders FC.
Miriam Zumaya had space on the left twice but both times the shot hit the side netting.
There was one final chance for SD Raiders FC from a corner. It was swung in dangerously, but Rochaix was able to punch the ball away and the full-time whistle followed for a 1-1 draw.
Post match SD Raiders FC coach Linda Khamis found positives in the result but hoped her side can turn these draws into three points soon.
“I would have preferred to get the three points, I think we deserved it. We started off scrappy then found our groove and probably should’ve jagged the result.
“We have to break this drawing drought that we’ve been through,” said Khamis.
For Blacktown City FC coach David O’Keefe, he reflected on the draw for his side and the lack of finishing chances.
“A draw was a fair result today.
“We started alright and then got a bit sloppy before our goal.
“They responded well with a goal from a set piece.
“The second half was a battle between two teams which are desperate for points, and I think we lacked a clinical edge,” said O’Keefe.
Match Stats
Sunday 16 April 2023
Ernie Smith Reserve, Moorebank
SD Raiders FC 1 (Hain ‘42)
Blacktown City FC 1 (Janssen ‘32)
SD Raiders FC: 1. Natasha Pentecost, 3. Lauren Wickremeratne (13. Kristen Prior ‘72), 4. Jessica Neville, 5. Isabella Sultan, 10. Denise Justice, 12. Amanda Radmillo, 14. Sarah Mandile, 18. Elana Topalidis (43. Miriam Zumaya ‘85), 20. Tahlia Voskanian (11. Elin Rosenberg Cemazar ‘25), 32. Olivia Campbell (15. Ellie-Leigh Lontis ‘72, 51. Chloe Hain (6. Abigail Boag ‘45)
Unused subs: 21. Jemica Artillaga
Yellow cards: nil
Red cards: nil
Blacktown City FC: 1. Kiara Rochaix, 2. Ainsley Byrne, 5. Lexy Thorpe, 6. Danielle Keller (15. Yasmin Aloisio ‘63), 7. Claire Szymoniczek (19. Nicola Ciocca ‘75), 8. Ella Morris (19. Emma Ingerson ‘72), 11. Jenny Hughes, 12. Ashley Limnios, 28. Sophie Roberts (16. Olivia De Pourbaix ‘63), 32. Cameron Janssen, 41. Malea Cezar
Unused subs: 3. Ashleigh Bax, 20. Anna Ivanovic
Yellow cards: Hughes ‘89
Red cards: nil