Strikers on fire in home triumph

The Ballarat girls beat Bundoora United 9-0 in a Football Federation Victoria women’s state league one north-west thrashing at Morshead Park.

Seven players hit the back of the net for the hosts, with Lisie Dodds and Lulu Al-Huneidi both managing braces in the devastating display.

Nat Barbara, Vanessa Yung, Tessa Curtain, Alyson Pym and Claire Demuth all scored a goal each for the winners.

The result leaves Ballarat sixth on the league table, seven points behind leaders South Yarra.

Stand-in Ballarat coach Laura Brady said the triumph would go a long way to restoring confidence within the squad.

“Despite the results over the last few weeks, the Eureka Strikers have made improvements in terms of ball use, but were unable to capitalise on the score sheet,” Brady said.

“That was the biggest change in this week’s match. Maintaining that will be key moving forward.”

Brady said the spread of goal scorers on Sunday was indicative of the team nature of the win.

“In particular, Dodds, Demuth, Barbara and Yung created a lot of opportunities going forward with some good interlink play and movement off the ball,” she said.

“The defensive line was composed and managed any of Bundoora’s brief forays forward with ease.”

Brady said the nature of the victory – Ballarat led 7-0 at the break – provided an opportunity to switch tactics at half time and focus on keeping possession, particularly out of the back line.

It also allowed key players Curtain and Holly Williamson to be given extended rests.

Head coach Rick Romein has been absent on sick leave in recent weeks, but returned to game day duties on Sunday as an assistant to Brady.

Ballarat is now preparing for another home clash, with the team to host Lara United next Sunday.

The Strikers then begin a string of five games against teams above them on the ladder.

Brady said Dodds will be unavailable for the next two fixtures, which will provide greater opportunities for Yung within the senior team.