Redbacks determined to prove doubters wrong
Report by Tommy Doleman
Larissa Walsh was on target for Redbacks against NTC. Photo by FotoEnzo
Round Two of the NPLWA – Women’s competition sees a meeting between two teams chasing their first wins of 2021.
Perth Soccer Club host Northern Redbacks on Sunday, with both sides coming off 1-1 away draws.
Redbacks won the sides’ two meetings last year, including a 1-0 win in the corresponding fixture at Dorrien Gardens, and winger Larissa Walsh is expecting another tight battle.
“Perth will be a tough game. They have good players and a solid defence, but I think we have plenty of experienced players to deal with the situations they pose, so hopefully we can work together to get a good result,” she said.
“We’ve always been up there as the Redbacks, but last season was a bit of a wake-up call in regards to where we finished on the ladder, so we’ve been determined to come back, prove people wrong and show we can be in the mix this season.”
Redbacks finished the 2020 season by winning the Top Four Cup after both their semi-final and final went to extra-time and penalties.
Walsh said: “Props to the girls for the effort last season with playing 120 minutes on the Thursday, then the Sunday, and I think that determination has carried over to this season and is helping us continue to improve.”
Walsh opened her account for the season against NTC last weekend and is back to full fitness after making seven appearances in 2020. The speedster said it was a relief to get on the scoresheet early in the season and says the work she’s done in the off-season has helped to evolve her game.
“Last time we played the NTC I seemed to pass to their goalkeeper a lot, so it was nice to get one past this time,” she added.
“Hopefully I can maintain that throughout the season. It’s something I’ve been practising quite a lot in terms of my finishing. I think getting the goal early will help my confidence and hopefully I can take that forward.
“I’ve always been known for my speed and I love the wing because there’s plenty of space, but I’ve also been doing some work on my touch and a few other skills. I lost a little bit of that after my injuries, so getting that back along with building my match fitness has really helped my game.
“A few of the younger ones are catching up to me in terms of pace, so I need to find little ways to get an edge, whether it’s holding up the ball better or timing my runs forward to continue that room for improvement.”
Round Two opens on Friday night when Fremantle City host Subiaco at Wauhop Park (7pm). Fremantle began the season with a terrific 3-2 win at Murdoch University Melville, while there was plenty for Subiaco to take from their Round One defeat against in-form Balcatta.
On Sunday, Night Series winners Balcatta host Curtin University, who drew with Perth on the back of a stunning strike from Tayna Campos.
The other Sunday fixture sees the Hyundai NTC take on champions Murdoch University Melville at Ashfield Arena.
Friday
Fremantle City v Subiaco (7pm)
Sunday
Hyundai NTC v MUM FC (3pm)
Perth SC v Northern Redbacks (3pm)
Balcatta v Subiaco (3pm)
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