Mosman women’s Premier League coach Josh Ayscough has paid tribute to his team’s “enormous heart and determination” after their 3-0 win over Pittwater RSL at Melwood Oval on Sunday.
“Due to injuries, illness and players away we only had thirteen players available,” Ayscough said. “it meant that everyone in the squad played reserves and first grade. It was a huge effort.”
Mosman opened the scoring in the 39th minute after a mad scramble and several ricochets in the middle of the box Isobel Pritchard finally poked the ball home.
Arabella Baker grabbed Mosman’s 2nd in the 60th minute with a belter from the top of the 18-yard box. On her non-dominant left foot the ball shot straight into the top corner. Baker had a 2nd in the 82nd minute when she got in behind the defence and tucked the ball home under the keeper.
Ayscough said Baker was “everywhere up front”.
“She showed great composure in front of goal to score those two. We created a lot of good chances in the first half and were a little unlucky not to have scored more.
“We need to work on maintaining possession and practice more patience with the ball. There were times when we forced a pass or got caught on the ball which put us under unnecessary pressure. If we can instead switch the play or recycle the ball I think we can be more dominant over the 90 minutes,” Aysough said.
Ayscough said goal-keeper Claudia Vogel was outstanding.
“She was brave throughout coming out to strikers’ feet and made some crucial saves. She throughly deserved a clean sheet.
“And Melissa Melrose at right-back worked tirelessly throughout the game in attack and defence as well as really driving the team particularly as we tired,” Ayscough said.
Like Mosman, Pittwater RSL also had several players backing up.
“They are such a hard-working team and had a number of good chances throughout the game. They’ll definitely cause some upsets in the 2nd half of the season,” Ayscough said.
In the other game on Sunday Manly Allambie and Wakehurst contested a 0-0 draw at Millers Reserve.
