Yarra Jets Vs Darebin Falcons
Darebin Falcons got their Women’s State League Division Two North West season back on track on Sunday with a gutsy 1-0 victory away to Yarra Jets.
Coming up against a side that had quietly crept up to fourth on the ladder, matters weren’t helped by the absence of an official referee.
With the home team’s coach offering to officiate – and making some interesting interpretations of the rules – the Falcons knew they were up against it if they were to snap a three-game losing streak.
But they stuck to their task admirably and, revelling on the Darebin International Sport Centre’s artificial pitch, they played the ball around nicely, growing in confidence as the match wore on.
The hosts offered little in attack, with keeper Leanne Hamilton having little to do other than collect a few tame shots from distance.
In contrast, Darebin were looking dangerous but, like the previous week – when a frustrating day in front of goal culminated in a 1-0 defeat – were struggling to break the deadlock.
A bit of niggle from one Jets player only served to motivate the visitors even further but, when Jo Rooney struck a post from close range 10 minutes from time, it seemed it would be another one of those days.
However, there was almost instant relief, as Kathryn Sparks curled in the resulting corner to finally deliver the knockout blow.
Despite the deserved win, Darebin remain seventh but will take renewed confidence into their home clash with Western Suburbs on Sunday.