By Kieran Yap 15/5/25
Above: Aleks Sinclair is congratulating after scoring the goal for Spring Hills.
Spring Hills FC drew 1-1 with Heidelberg United in an entertaining and attacking game that was ultimately decided by Bergers goalkeeper Mia Bailey and Sprng Hills custodian Jenna Ibrahim.
The newly promoted Spring Hills have been impressive since arriving in the NPLW Vic. They recruited strongly in the off-season, adding the likes of former Western United players Natasha Dakic and Aleks Sinclair to join firepower in the form of Julia Budiongo.
Results have been mixed so far, but performances have been encouraging and scorelines have recently started to better reflect ability. In Round Seven they drew with the previously unstoppable South Melbourne, and this week, they faced the reigning champions Heidelberg United.
Both sides began the match in attacking style, with Heidelberg’s Asuka Miyata looking particularly industrious for the visitors. For the home side, Sinclair looked like she was on a mission to make an impact.
The Spring Hills attacker was a constant threat, using her experience and pace to create chances wide and behind the Heidelberg defence. A Dakic long pass resulted in a cross to Budiongo that was cleared, but moment later, Sinclair put her side ahead.
It was another long ball, and another ghosting run that broke the deadlock. Yikina Tamamura’s ball floated behind the Heidelberg defenders and landed between them ands their goalkeeper. Sinclair’s first touch took her around Bailey and her second bundled the ball over the line to make it 1-0.
Heidelberg are not a side that drops their heads however, and they immediately surged in search of an equaliser. Kathryn Vlahopoulos’ long range strike found Ibrahim equal to it, but the diminutive dynamo found a way to level the scores before half time.
Matsuda’s vision unlocked the Spring Hills backline with a first time pass and Vlahopoulos cruised into the area. With plenty still to do, and the defenders back in position, Vlahopoulos hit the ball with power at the near post. Ibrahim got behind it but could not keep it out as it bounced over the line.
Despite the breakneck speed of the game and attacking intent of both sides, clear cut cchances were rare, and both goalkeepers were equal to whatever was thrown at them for the rest of the game.
Bailey was regularly quick off her line, and brave at ground level to snuff out any danger. Ibrahim’s positioning and athleticism denied Heidelberg. Low scoring draws can sometimes makes for laborious highlight packages, but both goalkeepers made their opponents realty earn their chances, and prevented them taking any in a captivating battle.
Sinclair looked likely to add a second and re-take the lead in the 53rd minute. she was in acres of space to meet Olivia Anderson’s perfectly placed cross, but skied her effort over the bar.
A piece of magic, against from the veteran Sinclair almost created the winning goal. Despite falling to ground, she maintained possession, drove into the box and cut the ball back for a teammate. The shot was barely 10 yards out and struck well, but Bailey pulled off a miraculous save to keep it at 1-1.
Heidelberg had more shots on goal for the match, but none to equal that opportunity, and can thank the former Brisbane Roar shot stopper for leaving the round with a crucial point.
The result keeps them in second place, and particularly in this very even and extremely competitive season, every point matters.
Next up, Spring Hills FC will look to build on two impressive performances on their trip away to face Brunswick Juventus. Heidelberg will aim to return to the winners list when they host Preston Lions.
In other games, Box Hill put give goals past Brunswick Juventus for their third win of the season. Goals to Katie Cox, Victoria Zikas and Olivia Ellis effectively ended the contest before half time.
Josephine Aulicino and Zoe Hudson added two more after the break.
Preston Lions looked set to end South Melbourne’s undefeated run until the dying stages of the game. Ellie Vlaeminck opened the scoring for the home side in the sixth minute and supporters dared to dream of victory until the 90th minute when Mami Ambo levelled the scores for South Melbourne.
An Emma Langley brace helped Essendon Royals defeat Bentleigh Greens 3-2 at home. Fijuwara Airi added a crucial third for The Royals, while Bentleigh’s were scored by new recruit Sidney Allen with Delaney Kenney’s 70th minute strike offering some hope of a comeback.
Danella Butrus starred once again for Bulleen against her old side. The defending premiers defeated FV Academy 5-0 due to a second half blitz that saw them score all their goals between the 60th and 82nd minutes.
The pace and finishing of Butrus and Anais Josefski did most of the damage for the home side. Josefski’s line breaking speed provided the opener, before Butrus, Nia Salleh and Sarah Cain added their names to the scoresheet. Butrus brought up her brace in to round off the scoring in a tough end to an otherwise promising performance from the Academy side.
Boroondara-Carey Eagles defeated Alamein in the final game of the round. Two goals from Candela Ferreya-Bas were scored either side of one from Emily Collier to give the home side a 3-0 win against their in-form opponents.
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