Three goals in a blistering three-minute spell inside the opening six minutes ensured that Belconnen United would be able to defend their Federation Cup crown on Saturday 8 June after a dominant performance against the West Canberra Wanderers at Wanderers Park. The Blue Devils scored all five goals in the first half, three of which were in the back of net within the first seven minutes.
Scott Conlon’s team wasted no time in punching their ticket for a third consecutive shot at the showpiece cup occasion, forcing a save from Wanderers goalkeeper Amy Wiggan inside two minutes as the custodian parried away an effort from Alyssa Di-Campli.
That was merely the prelude to the onslaught that followed however, with Keira Bobbin, back in the starting line-up making a great impression, twice showcasing her broad set of skills. Her speed, technique, precision, and power were all on display when she opened the scoring at the third minute.
Bobbin struck again four minutes later to make it 3-0, running onto a Sofia Palywoda pass to score. In between her two celebrations, a lapse of focus in the Wanderers defence had seen Reilly Yuen collecting the ball at the edge of the box to put what would ultimately be her hat-trick in motion.
Understandably stunned, the home team tried to get their head above water and went close to reducing the deficit through Alex Gidis’ volley in the fifteenth minute and a few minutes later with Lauren Hall’s corner kick. Wiggan had to remain vigilant to deny Yuen, Di-Campli and delay the fate of her team but would unfortunately concede twice more before the break.
A subtle flick of the ball from Isabella Hindmarsh sent Yuen to win her duel against the keeper at the 35th minute before the striker completed her treble seconds into the first act’s injury time. Bronte Pyke’s interception in the Wanderers half and her subsequent run towards the box ended in an offer that Yuen happily took, finishing from point blank range.
The job done, the Blue Devils were happy to manage their lead in the second act. Perri Nash at the hour mark and Sarah Whitfield at the last second had the best opportunity to score a goal for their team, but Monique Pinkiewicz was prompt to make the saves that allowed her to keep a third consecutive clean sheet in all competitions.
Belconnen United will now wait for the blockbuster between Gungahlin United and Canberra Croatia to know who they will face in an already highly expected Federation Cup Final.
STATISTICS
Semi-Final
Tuesday 14 May
West Canberra Wanderers 0 Belconnen United 5 (Bobbin 5’, 7’, Yuen 6’, 35’, 45’)
