By Peter Stephenson
Top of the table Barkerettes, on a run of seven wins in a row, hosted ninth-placed Mornington in round 10 of Women’s State 3S.
Mornington had beaten only Lilydale, but had a brand new striker in top form.
Ava Suckley is a former Welsh junior international, and had scored six times in four games.
On seven minutes, Suckley shot from distance, forcing Barkers to concede a corner.
It was already apparent that the Mornington plan was basically to get the ball to Suckley whenever they could.
From the corner, the ball ran loose to Suckley to the left of goal, and she did well to keep the ball down and steer it accurately into the far corner of the net to give Mornington the lead.
On the quarter hour, a shot from Barker Alizah Jones appeared to strike a visitor’s hand, but play was waved on.
Five minutes later, a Kelly Butera free kick was gathered by keeper Melanie Nicholson at the second attempt.
On 22 minutes, Mornington attacked in numbers down the left.
The ball was laid back from the byline to Emily Foad, who threaded the ball inside the near post to make it 2-0.
The Barkers must have been shellshocked, but it didn’t show.
The ensuing kick-off was laid back to Butera, who sprayed a long ball out to Lisa Walsh, in space on the left.
She cut inside and neatly dinked the ball over the keeper to pull the score back to 2-1.
The gap between the two goals was 38 seconds.
Barkers now hit their straps and it was Jones who galvanised the team with a couple of daring runs.
First she was through on goal but Nicholson saved.
Then on 28 minutes she had a great run down the right and crossed to Walsh at the near post, who hit a first-time shot wide from close range.
Then Gracie Touliatos found Walsh on the left wing.
She hit a shot on target but the keeper got a hand to it and steered it wide.
Right on half time, Butera was strong in the tackle and hit a great cross from the right, but the ball didn’t quite fall for Walsh.
Half-time: Mooroolbark 1-2 Mornington.
Two minutes into the second half, a Mornington corner on the left fell loose to Kailyn O’Connor, who guided a shot just beyond the far post.
Barkers replied with a Butera free kick in her own half.
A long ball found Walsh, who hit a first time shot that was touched wide by the keeper.
Then on 58 minutes, a lightning break by Barkers saw another long ball to Walsh.
She brought the ball down beautifully with her first touch, then shot wide.
Barkers kept knocking on the door, and a minute later, Jones hit the post.
Five minutes later, Walsh raided down the left and crossed for Amy D’Ortenzio, who turned and shot at the keeper.
On 68 minutes, Barkers were made to pay for their missed chances.
They lost the ball in their own half, and Mornington found Suckley.
She had three defenders to beat, but waltzed around them and stuck the ball home to make it 3-1.
Butera had a couple of chances late on, but Barkers had too much to do and Mornington were home and dry.
Barkers improved in the second half, but at times were overwhelmed by the sheer numbers pouring forward for Mornington – you wonder where that display has been hiding all season.
Suckley didn’t disappoint, and seemed to drag her teammates up a level – how else do you explain this result?
Next for Barkers is a week off followed by the match of the season – a trip to Gippsland United.
Barkers are now second, a point behind Endeavour and two ahead of Gippsland, who have a game in hand.
