By Kieran Yap 18/6/2024 (kieran84@live.com.au)
Heidelberg United 3-1 Bulleen Lions: Round 13 NPLW Victoria
It was always going to be her. Up against her old side and the league’s top side, Alana Jancevski delivered two second half goals to set Heidelberg on their way to a 3-1 win against Bulleen Lions.
It was a tough night in more ways than one for Bulleen. Not only did they lose for only the third time this season, but star midfielder Paige Zois was stretchered off following a collision with Asuka Miyata. It is an indicent that will have Bulleen and Melbourne Victory fans in a state of worry until good news arrives.
Bulleen were not played of the park to the extend that the scoreline suggests, but Heidelberg were more clinical in the final third.
The match started at frenetic pace, with both sides on the attack. This tie promised to be an entertaining one. Both starting lineups were blessed with talent and pace and this Round 13 match more closely resembled a cup semi final. Both teams were eager to get the upper hand early.
Bulleen had the best of the early chances. Maja Markovski was mobile and creative, but was kept away from goal. Alana Cortellino was as busy as always, but switched flanks midway through the first half to get into more shooting positions.
As much as anybody could have control of this match, it was Bulleen who had more possession. Isabel Dehakiz and Alana Burn both made good forays forward and moved the ball into attack with little hesitation.
Markovsi tested Mia Baily in the Heidelberg goal, but the Queenslander was equal to the stike, despite the power behind it. Baily also tipped Burn’s looping header over the crossbar when a goal looked likely.
Heidelberg looked comfortable out of possession, and their best chances came through long shots or counter attacks. It was not until after the break that they began to really trouble the reigning premiers.
Bulleen’s press had been largely effective until this point, but Miyata’s long ball along the flank opened things up for the home side. Steph Galea hooked the ball central and Keely Lockhart’s touch put Jancevski into all the space that she needed. Her fist time finish made it 1-0 and was another reminder of why the Berger’s chased her so enthusiastically.
The second goal was a combination of luck and determination. A looping, slightly miss hit ball into the six yard box had everybody on both sides scrambling to track its trajectory and work out how to deal with it. Jancevski simply had to make contact and jumped highest to nudge the ball into the net amid the chaos. Her first goal had arrived in the 48th minute, her second in the 51st, and things suddenly looked urgent for Bulleen.
Buleen pulled one back in the 63rd minute. Dehakiz intercepted an attempted counter attack, skipped a few challenges and placed a delightful curling pass into the path of Caitlin O’Bryan. With one touch she rounded Baily and the second made it 2-1.
A towering Keely Lockhart header settle the result. With Bulleen surging forward, Heidelberg launched yet another rapid counter attack and the finish was perfectly placed beyond Erin Hudon’s reach in goal.
Bulleen will look to return to winning ways after an unfamiliar feeling of two consecutive league defeats. Next up they face Boroondara Eagles and last season’s golden boot winner Kurea Okino.
Heidelberg’s resurgence will be tested by the high-flying Essendon Royals in a match that has the potential to be the best of the round.
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