Talia Silvestros celebrated her first win as part of the senior team in the Comets’ 4-0 thrashing of Keilor Park at Comets Stadium on Sunday.By Marc McGowan
WHAT a difference a week makes.
Two weekends ago the Casey Comets had hit rock bottom after a crushing 7-0 defeat, but just eight days later they were rejoicing in their first Women’s Premier League success of the season.
It may have taken the Comets until round five to pick up their first points for 2008, but they did so convincingly in a 4-0 thrashing of winless Keilor Park at Comets Stadium.
There were some major adjustments, with Emma Bracken returning to man the goal and coach Deborah Nichols changing her formation from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2.
Goals have been hard to come by for Casey and its first came from an unlikely source after just 16 minutes.
Resolute defender and captain Jeni Black received a pass and launched a long range shot that dipped perfectly into the top left corner to open the scoring.
It was just what the Comets needed and New South Wales midfield recruit Amanda Aldridge doubled their lead only 10 minutes later.
That gave Casey a 2-0 advantage at half-time and put it in complete control.
The inevitable challenge from Keilor Park – who boasted former Comets star Sarah Fitzgerald in its line-up – came after the break, but Bracken’s importance to the side became acutely apparent.
The veteran goalkeeper produced two crucial saves to end separate Keilor Park thrusts and maintain Casey’s buffer.
Lisa Cloke’s first score of the season deflated the visitors and Marcie Algeria capped the Comets’ afternoon with a fourth and final goal.
“It was definitely better than the week before. It was a terrific performance and they really rose to the challenge,” Nichols said.
“We pressured the ball really well, which we hadn’t done enough of, and our work rate all over the park was fantastic.
“It was the first time they went away and thought about it – getting whacked 7-0 is not fun and you have to respond.”
But it was Bracken’s return that drew most praise from Nichols.
“Emma answered our SOS and saw we had a problem and her presence boosted the confidence of the team,” she said.
“She was outstanding and I’m hoping she stays injury free because she’s obviously an asset on her experience alone.”
Fifteen-year-old goalkeeper Alice Ryan, who was substituted after just 25 minutes the previous weekend, will not represent Casey again after she was granted a clearance last week.
The teenager was unwilling to make the long trip from North Balwyn to play reserves football after being told she would have to fight her way back into the senior team.
The Comets’ reserves recorded the opposite result to the seniors for the second week running, succumbing 4-0 to Keilor Park.
Casey has an inviting draw in the next month, facing South Melbourne (seventh), Bendigo (10th), Eastern (11th) and GSL (eighth).
All are winnable games – a fact not lost on Nichols.
“We need to get on a roll or else we’re back to square one again,” she said.
“We’ll know more at the halfway mark once everyone has played each other and then we’ll know where we’re at.”
The Comets play South Melbourne at Bob Jane Stadium on Sunday from 1pm.
