A five-goal haul to Allie Berry led the Hobart Zebras to a dominant victory over Clarence United on Saturday. Berry’s goals, along with singles to Rachel Gill and Keilin Fagan helped to round out a great performance from the visiting side.
After facing each other just three days ago the Zebras were the clear favourites heading into the contest, and they started fast with an early Allie Berry chance. This chance was followed by some great one touch play from the visiting team, before a great Zoe Nichols through ball led to the offside flag being raised, however it wasn’t long before the scoring open.
The first goal of the game came in the 6th minute after the Zebras had consecutive corners. The first of these was cleared well by the home side, however the second found its way through a congested box to Allie Berry at the back. Berry controlled the ball well, before striking the ball into the left-hand side of the goal, putting her side one goal up early in the contest.
After this early goal, the Zebras began to push hard for another, with a great chance arriving in the 8th minute. This chance led to absolute chaos in the penalty box, with the attacking Zebras forcing rushed clearances and saves from the Clarence defence. However, the home side held strong, and cleared the ball out of play.
This missed opportunity did not halt the visitors attack, with Nichols and Berry missing good chances. In the 16th minute Kayla Mason produced a good cross, before just two minutes later the Zebras were celebrating their second.
The second goal to the visiting side arrived after the Zebras passed the ball around well. The visitors switched the play across the park before the ball found its way to Allie Berry. Berry then took the opportunity well, doubling her sides lead and her personal tally for the day, moving the score to 2-0.
Ten minutes after Berry’s second and the Zebras almost had a third. This shot came after Grzinic and Dixon defended well, however the ball made its way to Georgia Burt. Burt then hit a shot with a lot of power, but it fell straight to Vanderniet.
In the 32nd minute Clarence’s Zara Dixon, Karen Lawler and Abbey Clark combined for some good passes, before ten minutes later, Emily Grzinic burst through the centre of the pitch, using her pace before attempting a through ball. The Zebras then quickly transitioned from attack to defence, with Kannegiesser leading the charge, however her shot went straight to Vanderniet. This missed chance saw the score remain at 2-0 as the whistle was blown for halftime.
When the second half began the Zebras wasted no time in extending their lead, striking a third goal in the opening minute. This goal came when a Lily Hulton cross found Allie Berry in the middle. Berry then finished well, completing her hat trick and moving the score to 3-0.
Some great defending from Zara Dixon and Georgia Stalker followed the Zebras third, however a fourth was not far away. The visitors fourth goal came after Rachel Gill got on the end of a pass in the box. Gill then struck the ball into the back of the net, extending the Zebras lead to 4-0 with 50 minutes played.
Two minutes after Gill’s goal and it was Allie Berry with an incredible chance. Berry controlled the ball on one foot before striking on the other, hitting the ball into the crossbar and just missing a chance for her fourth.
Berry wouldn't be denied minutes later though as she found her fourth, striking with power to move the score to 5-0.
After Berry’s fourth goal the visitors continued to attack, with Burt and Nichols missing chances. Clarence’s Abbey Clark also had an attempt on goal from distance, however the shot went straight into the keeper’s arms. Whilst the visitors continued to push for a sixth Clarence defended well, however in the 72nd minute a fantastic team goal would see this strength unravel.
The Zebras sixth goal began with the ball at the feet of Allie Berry near the halfway line. Berry then played the ball to Fagan who then found Nichols. Nichols would then play through Berry who had continued her initial run, with Berry finishing off the attack. The goal moved the score to 6-0 and was Berry’s fifth goal of the game.
After finding their sixth and with the storm clouds rolling in, the Zebras continued to miss chances. Fagan, Burt, Nichols, Berry and Kannegiesser each missed chances before in the 82nd minute the home side created an opportunity of their own. This chance was sparked after Eaton played through Grzinic, with the Clarence number five chasing down the ball dangerously, however it would just roll long.
The Clarence defence continued to hold strong as the match drew closer to a conclusion, with Downham, Dixon and goalkeeper Vanderniet each clearing the ball well, however the Zebras would break through one final time. The Zebras seventh goal was scored by Keilin Fagan in the 91st minute, and whilst Vanderniet got a touch on the ball it still found its way into the back of the net. This goal moved the score to 7-0 and this was how it remained, with the Zebras running out convincing victors.
Speaking post-match Zebras coach Chris Hey was happy with his sides second half performance in particular. He identified that his side needed to show more patience, along with hitting the target more often.
The win sees the Zebras remain in second and within touching distance of league leaders Olympia, whilst Clarence remain in sixth. Next week the Zebras host South Hobart, 2pm at KGV on Saturday whilst Clarence take on Ulverstone, 2:30pm in Ulverstone.