Comets impress

By Gavin Staindl
THE Casey Comets kicked off their Premier League season with a 1-1 draw against South Melbourne at Darebin International Soccer Centre on Sunday, with new women’s coach Ian Williamson liking what he saw.
Despite scraping an equaliser in the 82nd minute from a converted Melissa Atherton penalty, Williamson said his side had numerous opportunities to score more.
“I thought we did quite well,” Williamson said.
“We went a goal down just before half time but got it back in the second half, though I thought we were a little bit unlucky not to have won it.”
Sunday’s match featured many players debuting for the Blue and Gold jersey.
Naomi Eaton and Taryn Brown played their first game for the Comets since arriving from Gippsland while Alicia Piper and new goalie Alexandra Lynch were impressive on debut.
Lynch takes over for Emma Bracken in the net who has joined Jennifer Black and Talia Silvestros in departing Casey for Heidelberg.
But the trio will return to Comets Stadium on Sunday when Heidelberg travels to Cranbourne for the Comets’ opening home game.
“We certainly have a challenge on our hands … it will be a competitive game,” Williamson said.
For many of the Casey supporters it will be their first chance to catch a glimpse of the new look team that is much younger and according to Williamson, more dedicated than in previous years.
Last year coach Debbie Nichols was driven to quitting because of the lack of commitment and dedication her girls showed towards the improvement of the club, but Williamson believes this year is the opposite.
“It is the exact opposite from last year,” Williamson said.
“They (the girls) are committed and enthusiastic and I can’t fault them.
“We have been training very hard over the last 12 days and all through pre-season they have done a fantastic job.”