By Sarah Bailey
Healesville Womens Reds 2 – 1 Croydon Ranges
The Reds travelled to the ever-difficult Croydon Ranges.
With their mojo on from kick-off the Reds dominated possession in the first half through Hanna K and Olive B, only being denied by some great keeping and the Croydon woodwork.
The second half saw complete domination of play by the Healesville team to set up the opening goal by Aemelia S.
A questionable free kick on a rare Croydon attack gave the home side a look at goal and a deflected shot forced second half keeper Olive B to make a desperate save, only for the ball to be knocked home to tie the game up.
From there the Reds once again took control of the game with Eloise S and Mia K creating chances without success.
With the referee looking at his watch, it took a great through ball to allow Aemelia S to steal the ball from the Croydon keeper’s fingertips and slot home the winner to see the Red ladies take three point and within touching distance of a top two finish.
Healesville U15 Flames 1 – 0 Healesville Rebels
It was first vs second for the two Healesville U15 girls teams and it was a derby that delivered!
In a tough contest where both sides were hesitant to make any mistakes early, it was all square at the break.
The second half saw the game spread out and a good patch of forward pressure from Evie T and Mia K saw the Flames go ahead thanks to the quick feet of striker Kendi L-T.
That goal spurred the undefeated Rebels into action with some quick ball movement from Ava H, Olive B and Kiah C creating a great opportunity, only to be denied by the diving Summer C who’s desperate save onto the crossbar and then a follow up save kept the Flames lead intact.
Sabra B and Ella D regained control of the midfield from there with the Flames holding onto their 1-0 lead, ending the Rebels unbeaten run. The title is still in the Rebels hands with 1 point separating the league leaders from their hometown rivals with two games to play.
The future of Healesville women’s football was on display today and there can be no doubt that the future is bright!
Healesville Reserves 2 – 3 Lilydale Threegles
Lilydale looking to secure a win that would leave them within touching distance of the title saw them face a weakened Healesville team missing a number of strong players to injury.
Lilydale took the lead at 10 minutes but a great strike from Andy C, in his last game before retiring, saw Healesville level for a 1-1 half-time score.
After the break Chris P would give Lilydale a helping hand with an own goal but another great Healesville goal, this time through Lindsay M, would again tie the scores at 2-2.
With the game nearing its end it looked like Healesville would make Lilydale’s run for the title a little harder than they would have liked but with five minutes left on the clock the home side secured all three points against a gallant Healesville team.
With two games to go Healesville are guaranteed a top-four finish with a chance of making the top three.
Healesville Mens Firsts 2 – 2 Blackburn Giraffes
Healesville faced second-on-the-ladder Blackburn who needed a win to push for the title.
An even first 25 minutes changed within three minutes when Blackburn would score from a Healesville gift and a very fortuitous second.
Healesville’s heads didn’t drop and were helped when the referee awarded them a very soft penalty.
Captain Anthony M sublimely scoring from the resulting spot kick.
Soon after Cam D had a shot cleared off the line and the teams went into the break at 2-1.
Healesville continued to take the fight to Blackburn in the second half and were rewarded when John-James scored with his head to level the game.
Both teams huffed and puffed but there were no further chances for either team.
A 2-2 score line saw Healesville continue their nine-game unbeaten streak and put a dent in Blackburn’s title chances.
