Darebin Falcons vs Western Suburbs
A second successive victory has revived Darebin Falcons’ Women’s State League Division Two North West top four hopes.
Sunday’s 4-1 triumph over Western Suburbs at Capp Reserve moved them within a point of fourth spot with three matches to play.
Against a side languishing at the wrong end of the ladder, the hosts were always in control, although they were unable to capitalise on their early dominance.
They finally broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Carolyn Monk was on hand to head home Nicky Leitch’s corner.
The goal came after a series of corners as Darebin turned the screws on their opposition, and it was quickly followed by a second as Niddie Morgan ran from halfway, riding several challenges before slotting home.
The visitors’ response to that effort was to hand out some rough treatment to Morgan, who finished the match batted and bruised after receiving little protection from the referee.
There was an edgy spell in the second half as Western Suburbs pulled one back and threatened to spoil the party, but a third goal for Darebin from Kate Dullard and a clinical finish by Leitch from distance killed off any chance of an upset.
This weekend, the Falcons travel to bottom side Whittlesea Ranges looking to continue their good run but there is little chance of complacency after being pushed all the way in a 5-4 triumph earlier in the season.