Comets light up sky in match

By Ben Hope
THE Casey Comets hit the ground running as they opened the 2010 Football Federation of Victoria women’s Premier League season with a win against the Preston Lionesses.
Comets coach Debbie Nichols was pleased with the result on the artificial surface at Darebin – and in windy conditions.
“It is difficult playing on the artificial surface at the best of times and it was very windy on Sunday,” Nichols said.
“It felt like a hurricane at times, which made it difficult for both sides.”
The Preston Lionesses came off a successful pre-season win in the Macedonian Cup and ensured the Comets had to work to put three points on the ladder.
The only goal of the game came from Nicola Prins, who took advantage of a free kick before Preston had the chance to set up its defence. That left the Comets one goal up at half-time.
“We really dominated in the second half as well but just didn’t take our chances,” Nichols said.
“Defensively we did a great job, when you are one-nil and missing chances it can put a lot of pressure on the backline.
“We coped well but were always wondering if a soft goal was going to get through. During the last 10 minutes I was feeling nervous.”
The Comets managed to keep the intensity until the final whistle, despite being turned down for a penalty that could have seen them run away with the game in the final minutes.
Nichols said the win was the result of a strong team effort with stand-out performances from Lisa Cloke, Natalie Aramian and Jen Black.
“We always have tough games against Preston and to walk away with the win is nice,” Nichols said.
“If we had taken a second goal we could have run away with the game and ended with three or four goals. We were in control and that created a lot of chances.”
With a bye next week the result was just what Nichols was looking for to ensure her team would come back in round three to meet Altona City with points on the board.
“It was a good start to the season. It is a shame we have a bye next week, it would have been better to gather momentum,” Nichols said.
The Comets reserves also had an ideal season start beating the Preston 2-0.