Casey Comets teenager Marcie Algeria was one of her team’s main contributors in its 4-0 thrashing of Gippsland at Comets Stadium on Sunday.By Marc McGowan
THE Casey Comets’ new-found offensive prowess was on show again on Sunday as they eased past Gippsland 4-0 at the suddenly formidable Comets Stadium.
But it was the Comets’ defensive display that drew most praise from interim Comets coach Gavin Spencer-Pitts.
Defensive mainstays Vanessa Hellar and Jeni Black repelled most of Gippsland’s forward thrusts, while goalkeeper Emma Bracken expertly dealt with the visitors’ few chances.
The in-form Rachel Lamb was unavailable for the Women’s Premier League weekend clash, but the slack was picked up all over the park.
Teenagers Talia Silvestros and Marcie Algeria were impressive, but it was veteran playmaker Leigh Terek who shone above all others.
Terek produced the fixture’s first goal with a magnificent cross from a corner that set up Amanda Aldridge to head the ball home.
There was some confusion over who scored the opener, with officials awarding Aldridge the goal despite the Comets believing Silvestros should have been the beneficiary.
Either way, Casey deserved its 1-0 advantage and took that lead into half-time.
Then in five hectic minutes after the break, the Comets blew the contest right open.
A Linda Restrepo pass resulted in the first of Terek’s two goals in the 57th minute before team-mate Melissa Atherton provided the highlight of the game.
Atherton found herself in space and timed a long-range attempt to perfection that just cleared Gippsland goalkeeper Nicole White and lodged in the top left corner of the net.
The goal sparked massive celebrations and there were more when Terek beat the despondent White once again for Casey’s fourth in the 62nd minute.
Restrepo had two opportunities to add to the Comets’ tally, but White managed to keep her shots out.
Casey’s considerable buffer allowed Spencer-Pitts to clear the bench, giving valuable minutes to rising stars Medina Asanovski, Danielle Lawrence and goalkeeper April Huijbregsen.
Huijbregsen managed to hold out Gippsland’s late forays to give the Comets a clean sheet for the fourth time in the past five rounds.
For Spencer-Pitts, his side played the perfect match.
“They played exceptionally well. There is not a lot I can say as far as finding things to get them to play better,” he said.
“They really gelled on Sunday more than they did the week before and really looked strong, especially in the midfield.”
After four wins in five matches – with the other result a scoreless draw – Casey will find out on Saturday just how far it has come since its slow start to the season.
The Comets will lock horns with fourth-placed Preston at B.T. Connor Reserve in Reservoir from 1pm.
“Our confidence has definitely improved since the start of the season. You could see the players were struggling, but now they’re happy and look a different side,” Spencer-Pitts said.
“Earlier in the season when they went behind their heads dropped, but I think this time if that happens they’ll show a little bit more spirit and fight.”
Casey’s reserves team recorded a 3-0 result over Gippsland in the curtain raiser.
