By Peter Stephenson
A mild Sunday evening at Esther Park saw the Barkerettes host second division side Ballarat City in the second round of the Nike FC Cup. The previous week, a late winner from Lisa Walsh had given Barkers a 2-1 win over Malvern City. This, though, would be a stiffer test for the depleted Barkerettes, with half of the defence missing and a higher division opponent.
Indeed, after only 74 seconds, the ball was laid back to City’s Lucy Chester, who buried the ball in the far corner of the net for an early City lead. It was going to be a long night for our heroines. However, Mooroolbark had an early chance on seven minutes when a through ball to Amy D’Ortenzio saw her shot saved by the foot of keeper Lisa Hill. Then a Barkers throw-in from the right lulled the City defence to sleep as the ball ran through to Walsh, whose snap shot was parried away by Hill.
City replied with a shot from the edge of the box which keeper Ashleigh Fraraccio saved at the second attempt. Then Barkers strung together a neat move involving Sam Spencer, Eleanor Ridley, Charlotte McCullough and D’Ortenzio. The latter laid back for Gracie Touliatos, who shot past the far post.
Alas, a seemingly clean Barkers tackle was penalised by a free kick in City’s half. The ball was sent long, and when a shot came in, it was adjudged to have struck a Barker’s arm – penalty to City. Caitlin Johnston sent the ball to Fraraccio’s right to make it 2-0 to City. Things went from bad to worse just two minutes later when a close range shot from Chloe Stevens was fortunate to find the net – 3-0 City.
A brief respite was given by Barkers’ Hannah Lee, who went on a determined run before being tackled, but 10 minutes before the break, a long shot from Johnston made it 4-0 to City. Barkers then rallied somewhat, with Walsh then D’Ortenzio having chances, but shooting straight at Hill. Half-time: Mooroolbark 0-4 Ballarat City.
Eight minutes into the second half, a through ball from Walsh saw D’Ortenzio try to lob the keeper, who was forced to concede a corner. Walsh hit the ball to the near post, finding the head of D’Ortenzio, whose header hit the post then went over the line to make it 4-1 City. With 20 minutes to go, D’Ortenzio raced clear of the defence but the shot was saved by Hill once more. Then Barkers made the mistake of again allowing Johnston too much space, and she grabbed her hat-trick with another long range effort to make it 5-1 City.
Just before the end, youngsters Savannah Jobling and Matilda Ryan were introduced for their debuts, and Walsh reduced the arrears with a fine shot from the edge of the box. Full-time: Mooroolbark 2-5 Ballarat City.
Although this was an uphill battle, Barkers had enough shots on target to have made the scoreline much closer. The difference was that City’s finishing was more effective. Barkerettes will now prepare for the league season, hoping the injuries clear up.
Next week, the Barkers men begin their State 2 South-East season, with a home game against Hampton East Brighton. Kick-offs are 1pm for reserves and 3pm for seniors. See you down at the Kennel.
