Sale United’s cup journey continues; well, at least not for the seniors after their 6-1 loss to Newborough/Yallourn United on Wednesday last week (August 24), but for the women and reserves, the battle continues.
No sleep-ins on Sunday for Sale United’s women playing the first game of the day in the inaugural knock-out round of the Browne-Huizer Cup.
It really was a bit of deja vu for the Swanettes, replaying their final season game at Crinigan Road Reserve in Morwell against Fortuna.
While it was at the same time, in the same place, against the same team, there were, however, some pretty fundamental differences, such as the fact the field wasn’t practically a swimming pool.
Or that Sale United’s newly-wed co-captain Courtney Quadrell made her very welcomed return after almost an entire season hiatus.
The most bleedingly obvious difference: the score.
In Round 18 of the Latrobe Valley Soccer League, Sale United scraped in a 1-0 win over Fortuna, needing at least three goals to claim second place on the ladder.
If only they had played the game they played on this occasion, because with a 5-1 win, Sale would have stolen their spot on the ladder right from underneath Fortuna’s feet.
Ah, but what good is rumination anyway?
The Swanettes played a cracking game, controlling the game from start to finish. Their composure, grit and trust in themselves have developed dramatically over the past few weeks, definitely contributing to their substantial win over Fortuna in the Browne-Huizer Cup.
There truly was something different about Sale United Women, and it looks good on them.
Was it the added confidence following their win against Fortuna in Round 18? Was it the vigorous training and ingenious support and direction from coach Madielane Breakspear, or maybe it is a mixture of A and B?
Whatever it is, it’s working.
For coach Breakspear, her weekend certainly ended on a high note.
“Our girls absolutely killed it today! I am so proud of the way they played,” she said.
“Our preparation for this game has been very meticulous, but the girls took on everything we’ve been working on at training and put it into play.
“The girls were able to play our style of football under the pressure of Fortuna, who are a very physical team.
“We welcomed back some key players, Courtney Quadrell and Anouk Meereboer, who helped us settle in the first half.”
Two goals from Meereboer and one from Majidah Bitar saw Sale enter the break with a 3-0 lead, with goals from youngsters Izzy Hearsey and Jade DuVe in the second half to take the Swans to a 5-1 victory over Fortuna.
“Our young girls were relentless with their pressure on the Fortuna goalkeeper; we had plenty of shots and created countless chances,” Breakspear said.
“I honestly don’t think I could pick a best on ground today; literally every player on the park was outstanding.”
