Ladies land safely

By Gavin Staindl
THE Casey Comets women have returned victorious from the hardest road trip on the Premier League calendar.
The Comets upset the favourites 2-1 after a gruelling day of soccer at Bendigo’s home ground, Epson Huntly Recreation Reserve.
Travelling four hours to Bendigo to play the Vipers is a task in itself but after battling poor weather conditions and an early 0-1 deficit, the Comets returned home all smiles.
The Vipers scored the first goal in the ninth minute after a defensive blunder let in Louise McColl.
This had the potential to force a blow-out, as the Comets have been known to throw away matches after defensive mishaps.
But a sneaky goal by Lisa Cloke two minutes later strengthened the resolve of the visitors.
“That goal was huge,” coach Debbie Nichols said.
“If we went into half-time down 0-1 it would have been hard to come back. Bendigo are a good team at holding on to leads so that goal was important.”
The Comets last week gave up a 2-0 lead on the stroke of half time to eventually lose 2-3 but this week the tables were turned and it was the Casey women who instigated a comeback.
In the 43rd minute a cross from Casey’s Nicola Prins from left field allowed Caroline McEvoy to find the net after a scramble in the box.
The half-time lead proved vital as rain began to pour down and second half was played out primarily in the midfield.
With neither team creating any significant scoring chances, the Comets were able to ride out the rest of the match.
But the two-hour physical stoush, coupled with eight hours’ travelling, may have an impact on the Comets who have another important match this Friday.
The undesirable six-day turnaround between matches could take its toll on the away game to undefeated Box Hill.