Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: John Schiavo
Images: Chris Simpson

A four goal first-half blitz has seen Eastern Suburbs FC Women cruise to a 5-0 win over University of Queensland FC Women at Heath Park.

The hosts effectively sewed up the points inside the opening half hour as Tegan Riding’s brace was complemented by further goals from Rani Lustosa and Suzanne McKeen.

Emma Pittman rounded out the result with the sole goal of the second stanza as her side strengthened their hold on fourth place in the standings and notched a fifth straight clean sheet - their second of the campaign against UQFC.

The win also extends Easts unbeaten record against UQFC to four matches over two seasons of PlayStation 4 National Prmier Leagues Women's competition.

For UQFC, the result furthers a five match losing streak and sees them remain mired in eighth position in the league standings.

Key Moments

17’ – CHANCE FOR UQFC – a corner falls invitingly for Vicky Lines inside the penalty area but her goal bound strike is deflected over the cross bar by Rani Lustosa

19’ – GOAL FOR EASTS – Renae Cowan releases Tegan Riding into the left channel before the attacker slots the finish past UQFC goalkeeper Daniele Harbot’s near post

22’ – GOAL FOR EASTS – Rani Lustosa finds space on the right before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner to double the advantage

24’ – GOAL FOR EASTS – crisp passing from the hosts carves open the UQFC defence and culminates as Suzanne McKeen delivers a close range volley after being teed up with the final pass from Lustosa

27’ – GOAL FOR EASTS – Michaela Hatzirodos drives at the heart of the UQFC defence before slipping the ball into the path of Riding, who finishes on the angle to notch her second of the night

51’ – CHANCE FOR EASTS – solid build-up on the right from Tiffany Roberts finds Riding, who unselfishly lays off to Hatzirodos but her firmly struck effort skews wide of the target from the edge of the penalty area

64’ – GOAL FOR EASTS – Riding’s cutback is met by a volley from Pittman that sees Harbot seemingly make a sharp reflex save, however the ball trickles over the line on the rebound

74’- CHANCE FOR EASTS – McKeen is teed up from outside twenty yards by a series of short passes but her strike is denied by the post

88’ – CHANCE FOR EASTS – McKeen and Hatzirodos combine to spring the UQFC defence before feeding the ball invitingly to Riding, who gets her toe-poked effort past the onrushing Harbot but can’t find the target

What They Said

“It was a really pleasing performance on what could’ve been a tricky night with the wind and the cold moving in. It was good to get the game done on a Friday and we can look forward to the weekend now. Some of the younger players that were on the peripheral at the start of the year are starting to step up and play longer and longer minutes and its really pleasing to see them out on the field holding their own.“ – Garrath McPherson, Eastern Suburbs FC Women coach

“It was a bit disappointing to go in (to half-time) four-nil down and it makes it an uphill challenge. But we had a good discussion at half-time and to come in one-nil (in the second half) I was really pleased. The conditions were fine and the field was top notch. Easts are just a very good side – very well organised, very disciplined and excellent opposition. We knew it was going to be difficult but I think we handled them well in the second half.“ – Rock Coughlin, University of Queensland FC Women coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s 2016 – Round 15

Friday, June 24
Heath Park, Brisbane

Eastern Suburbs FC Women – 5 (Tegan RIDING 19’ 27’, Rani LUSTOSA 22’, Suzanne MCKEEN 24’, Emma PITTMAN 64’)
University of Queensland FC Women – 0

Match Centre – http://bit.ly/28RRBKN

Match Officials – Ryan ELTON (referee), Krystina MARKOVICS (assistant), Madeleine RAPISARDI (assistant)