Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Matt Dorman
Images: Chris Simpson

A hat-trick from Jess Dillon helped The Gap FC Women kick-off their title defence in style, eclipsing University of Queensland FC Women 6-0 on Sunday.

The result puts the defending Premiers and Champions on top of the table after the opening round of the season.

Again considered Premiership favourites in 2016, the Gators were rarely troubled as Bec Price and Megan Price also added their names to the scoresheet before Eden Jones closed out the win.

The result extends Gators unbeaten record against UQFC in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s football to three matches.

Key Moments

9’ – CHANCE FOR GATORS – Dani Harbot makes herself big to block a good opportunity for Greta Bodey, before the forward puts her follow-up effort against the upright from a narrow angle.

24’ – CHANCE FOR GATORS – Jess Dillon turns and plays Bodey through on goal but the ex-UQFC striker is again foiled by Dani Harbot. Just as Megan Price looks certain to tuck home the ricochet, Danielle Ward produces an excellent sliding challenge to snuff out the chance.

26’ – GOAL FOR GATORS – Dani Harbot is able to keep out Greta Bodey for a third time but on this occasion Dillon is perfectly placed to turn the rebound into an empty net.

49’ – GOAL FOR GATORS – Captain Bec Price coolly strokes the Gators into a 2-0 lead from the spot after a penalty is awarded for a foul just inside the area.

58’ – CHANCE FOR GATORS – Greta Bodey flashes a ball across the face which Ruth Blackburn awkwardly miscues wide at the far post.

60’ – GOAL FOR GATORS – Megan Price receives a cutback, jinks away from a defender and lifts her finish inside the right-side post.

66’ – CHANCE FOR GATORS – Jess Dillon shoots just wide following good lead-up play from Bodey.

75’ – GOAL FOR GATORS – Eden Jones pulls a pass back for Jess Dillon who clinically sidefoots her second inside the far post.

81’ – GOAL FOR GATORS – Jess Dillon crosses from a short corner on the right and finds debutant Eden Jones in position to deftly help the ball into the bottom left corner.

84’ – GOAL FOR GATORS – Dillon receives a pass in a central position outside the area, sizes up the target and arrows a superb strike past Harbot to complete her hattrick.

What They Said

“Conditioning played a massive part. Full credit to The Gap, they were excellent. Very patient in their build-up, circulating play. I just think some tired legs out there really took their toll on us. Very young squad, a lot of new players, a new coach, new backroom staff so it’s definitely going to take a lot of time.” – Rick Coughlan, University of Queensland FC Women coach.

“I don’t think we were troubled by the opposition but we didn’t play particularly well in the first half. It was hot and I think we were just a bit slow, a bit sluggish, didn’t recognise some aspects of the way UQ had set up that we could have probably taken more advantage of. But in the second half we got off to the good start we needed and it became comfortable after that.” – Rob Askew, The Gap FC Women coach.

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s 2016 – Round 1
Sunday, 28 February
University of Queensland Field 5, Brisbane

The Gap FC Women 6 defeat University of Queensland FC Women 0

UQFC WOMEN

Goals – none
Yellow cards – none
Red cards – none

Squad – 1. Danielle HARBOT, 2. Vicki BROWN, 3. Cairisjan MITCHELL, 5. Georgia BUCHANAN (12. Portia LEE 55’), 6. Danielle WARD, 7. Chelsea VINCENT (14. Abbey O’SULLIVAN), 8. Hikaru ARAI, 9. Vicky LINES (4. Alexandra MAGUIRE), 10. Zozia SEN, 11. Stephanie WHITE, 15. Catrina GARDNER

Unused – none

THE GAP FC WOMEN

Goals – Jess DILLON 26’ 75’ 84’, Bec PRICE 49’, Megan PRICE 60’, Eden JONES 81’
Yellow cards – none
Red cards – none

Squad – 1. Caitlin MANDRUSIAK, 3. Talitha DORO (18. Eden JONES 53’), 5. Rebecca PRICE, 7. Zali EASON-COUTTS (6. Ashleigh BUCKNALL 59’), 9. Hayley RICCARDI, 11. Greta BODEY, 12. Jessica DILLON, 13. Megan PRICE (4. Holly HITCHENER 77’), 14. Charli MCLENNAN, 15. Ruth BLACKBURN, 16. Catherine O’NEILL

Unused – none