By Tobias Canning
The annual MWFA Women’s Challenge Cup clash saw Manly United come out on top 6-0 on Thursday night at Cromer Park.
Former CC Strikers attacker Kahli Johnson was the star for Manly United, scoring three goals to claim a hat trick while former W-League midfielder Natasha Prior was also strong, claiming the Player of the Match Award.
Although Manly certainly dominated scoring-wise, the MWFA did not disgrace themselves, especially in defence as they put up a solid rear-guard against the Manly United attack.
For the MWFA, Steff Davis (Mosman) and Kristina Reisinger (Brookvale) were relentless in in the middle of the pitch, with Davis named Player of the Match for the MWFA team.
Davis was regularly involved within their attacking forays and set up the best chance for the MWFA, putting in a pin-point accurate ball to Caitlin Le Bas 33 minutes in.
Ellie Kerr opened the scoring in the 17th minute for Manly United after a sustained period of pressure. Manly had this goal coming, given their great build-up play and in total on the night they had a ridiculous 27 shots.
Kahli Johnson then scored the first of her impressive three goals in the 25th minute, as she placed it into the back of the net with a sneaky strike.
Literally one minute later, she had her second as she smashed it into the back of the net and in the 40th minute she had her hat-trick with a smooth effort from close-range. She was on fire in this encounter.
Just before the break, MWFA goalkeeper Joanne Wendl (Brookvale) calmy saved a spot-kick. She also stood up big throughout the match.
Sophie Clarke made it 5-0 for Manly United on the 63-minute mark to open the scoring for the second half. And after a handball from Beth Sweeney 10 minutes from time, Caitlin Jarvie stood up and scored the sixth and final goal of the match.
For both sides this was a great hit-out and one that left Manly United in particular feeling very satisfied with their pre-season preparation.
