A game that seemed a winnable fixture, proved challenging with a difficult referee who was heavy on the whistle, preventing both teams from breaking the halfway mark with fast offside calls.

None-the-less, the girls were a tight unit right from the drop of the coin. Despite the patchy ground, feeling more like a desert than a soccer pitch, the girls stood with a tight defensive line and solid centre. 

Goalie, Georgia Allen, proved herself an asset, as ANU’s striker delivering blows were shot down by the Wee Jasper girl.

The first goal was claimed midway into the first half by Victoria Alley who, time and again, has demonstrated her talent for clean precision shots into the top corner pocket. 

Whether it was the heat of the day or the constant thrum of the whistle, both teams attacked the other with force. The ball yo-yo-ing from one side to the other, leaving the first half with some close attempts at goals from both sides. 

It was the confidence in their team mates that had them dominating the ANU’s defences. Shannon Wright pushed the ball forward early in the second half with the help of midfielder Dani Farthing.

Wright came from the left getting the ball around the goalie and putting it straight towards the goal. In a cry of horror from the Redbacks supporters, one ANU defensive player bent over and took the ball in her hands, preventing it from entering the goal. 

A penalty kick was issued to the women and, as it was her 200th game, Bek Gallagher moved up the ranks from the backline to take the kick. While silence swept over the field, Gallagher lined up her famous charging strike and the ball soared the short distance to be stopped in a show of great effort by ANU’s goalie.

Each Redback player performed well and in a tight vote, Jessica Cole was given Players Player thanks to her solid teamwork with fellow midfielder Dani Farthing.  

The Division 3 side will take on Weston Molonglo from 12pm on Sunday in Wanniassa followed by the Division 4 side against ANU at 2pm.