Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Albert Perez

Eastern Suburbs Women issued a timely reminder to the rest of the competition in dismantling Sunshine Coast Women 7-0 at Heath Park.

Emma Pittman’s hattrick stole the show in Easts’ first match since mid-March as the hosts’ five-goal second-half brought Fire crashing back to reality.

Westfield W-League star Tegan Riding combined with Pittman to secure a 2-0 lead at half-time, before the latter struck a further two after the break in a one-sided second stanza.

Despite last week notching their first win of the season, Fire trailed from the fifth minute onwards in slipping to a fourth defeat in six matches.

Ashlee Watkins, Yvonne Mathis and Harkana Dixon all grabbed one each of their own for Easts as Garrath McPherson’s side continue their unbeaten start to 2016.

Key Moments

5’ – GOAL FOR EASTS – Emma Pittman slips an inch-perfect through ball to Tegan Riding who calmly finishes past Katie Offer.

22’ – CHANCE FOR EASTS – Fire ‘keeper Katie Offer pulls off a fine double save in parrying Tegan Riding’s effort before denying Susanne McKeen on the follow-up.

38’ – GOAL FOR EASTS – Ashlee Watkins’ dangerous cross from the right falls for Pittman to stab home from close range.

47’ – GOAL FOR EASTS – Offer is unable to hold Tiffany Roberts’ cross as Ashlee Watkins is on hand to poke into an empty for a 3-0 lead.

61’ – GOAL FOR EASTS – Tidy team build-up leads to Watkins unselfishly picking out Pittman at the far post for a simple tap-in.

70’ – GOAL FOR EASTS – Pittman completes her hattrick with a sublime effort from just inside the penalty area which gives Offer no chance.

83’ – GOAL FOR EASTS – Fire are unable to clear from a corner, allowing substitute Yvonne Mathis to strike a sweet left-footed shot into the roof of the net from inside the area.

85’ – GOAL FOR EASTS – Substitute Rani Lustosa combines with Pittman for a one-two, rounds Offer and squares for Harkana Dixon to finish off the move.

What They Said

“We’ve worked very hard since our lessons in last year’s Semi-Final (which) taught us to find pockets of space on the field and try to get players on the ball in those areas. Tonight is the first time since I’ve been at the club that we’ve done that and very, very effectively.” – Garrath McPherson, Eastern Suburbs FC Women coach.

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s 2016 – Round 6
Saturday, 16 April
Heath Park, Brisbane

Eastern Suburbs FC Women 7 defeat Sunshine Coast FC Women 0

Easts Goals – Tegan RIDING 5’, Emma PITTMAN 38’ 61’ 70’ Ashlee WATKINS 47’ Yvonne MATHIS 83’ Harkana DIXON 85’
Easts Yellow Cards – none
Easts Red Cards – none

Easts Squad – 1. Anastasia MAVRICK, 4. Laura HARRIS, 6. Harkana DIXON, 8. Susanne MCKEEN (7. Rani LUSTOSA 63’), 9. Tiffany ROBERTS, 10. Georgina AMOS (22. Caitlin GRIMMET 71’), 12. Ashlee WATKINS, 13. Emma PITTMAN, 15. Renee COWAN, 19. Michaela HATZIRODOS, 20. Tegan RIDING (14. Yvonne MATHIS 74’)
Easts Unused – none

Fire Goals – none
Fire Yellow Cards – none
Fire Red Cards – none

Fire Squad – 1. Katie OFFER, 2. Isabella NEIL, 3. Cassandra BUHMANN, 4. Jessica BENDER (14. Kristy HAYWARD 68’), 6. Martha BENSTED, 7. Kirsty CLIFFORD, 8. Tayla GESCH, 9. Samara CHRISTMAS, 11. Tegan BUHMANN, 12. Linley ARCHARD, 16. Madi WARREN
Fire Unused – none

Match Officials – Kaylah VEJLE (referee), Taylah BROTHERSTON (assistant), Caitlin RUHLAND (assistant)