The absence of key players wasn't going to stop the Kempsey Saints women's side last night (Wednesday) as the A grade team got the job done against Wauchope Waratahs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The match was played as a catch up after Saturday's fixture between the two sides had to be postponed.
Despite missing Amy O'Brien, Amelia Tyne, Jodie Simpson and Hannah Bannerman the Saints went out to an early lead in the first half with goals to Hayley Kesby and Annabelle Sneddon.
With the referees whistle blowing for half-time, Saints coach Luke Flanagan called for more intensity from his side.
The girls responded immediately with Joanne Filipcic firing off two shots in the first two minutes, both just missing.
A corner from Hayley Kesby in the 48th minute was allowed to roll around in the dangerous six-yard-box and was finished off by Filipcic for her first of the night.
A minute later the winger had her double after a great run down the right hand side.
Wauchope responded straight away as Melissa Norup dribbled around numerous defenders off the kick off.
With the ball in dangerous territory Norup finished what she started with a long shot hitting the back of the net.
In the 53rd minute Filipcic had her hat-trick after another terrific run down the right saw her long shot dribble past the right of the keeper.
Eight minutes later Saints were in again through Sneddon who, left one-on-one, dribbled around the keeper to make it 6-1.
The goal-keeping efforts of Georgia Kirkman kept Kempsey at bay for the rest of the game, pulling off three saves.
The final scoreline of 6-1 meant Kempsey regained first place on points difference with Rangers and Port United Vipers all on 15 points.
"It wasn't our prettiest performance but we'll take the points," Flanagan told the Argus.
"With four players out some of our B graders came up and did us proud and learnt how quick it is in A grade."
Saints now have the bye this weekend but will still get their football fix.
The girls are competing at the Women's State Cup on July 2-4 at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, drawn in Group C yesterday.
The tournament is open to all senior women's clubs and to member clubs of NNSWF Premier and Zone Competitions
Group A - Broadmeadow Magic, Mid Coast FC, Cooks Hill United, Newcastle Uni Women's
Group B - Maitland, New Lambton, North Coast Football, Kotara South
Group C - Warners Bay, Adamstown Rosebud, Kempsey Saints, Nelson Bay FC
Group D - Newcastle Olympic, Charlestown Azzurri, Mayfield United Seniors
The winner of each group qualifies for the semi-final of the Women's State Cup with the four remaining best ranked community club teams fighting for the community state plate semi-finals.
Also making the news:
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark our website
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @macleayargus
- Follow us on Instagram: @macleayargus