FUTSAL WA

R13 – Women’s Supa-Liga, 2021/22 Summer Season

Featured Match Review

Western Devils FC and Perth Pumas FC feature in this weekend’s match review. In a weekend full of important match ups, it was the top of the table clash that was the most intriguing. The Devils started the match at the top of the league table, with the Pumas just 3 points behind but also with a game in hand. Penelope Clayton spearheaded the Devils attack, boasting 18 goals for the season coming into the match whilst the Pumas welcomed back the experienced Chelsea Winchcombe.

Perth Pumas lacked numbers on the bench for any rotation, but managed to score the crucial first goal of the match. Shivani Battaglia, the Pumas goalkeeper launched the ball long to Piper Boobyer, who brought it down brilliantly with her first touch and finished neatly with a half-volley on the spin. The Pumas held on for much of the match, defending well and frustrating the Devils attack. However, with just two and a half minutes remaining, Penelope Clayton took a shot direct from a kick in. The ball took a slight touch and found the back of the net, giving the Devils their equalizer.

Western Devils looked quite comfortable going into half-time at 1-1 but fell just short in the dying seconds of the half. Spadano scoring with the final kick of the half to give the Pumas the lead 2-1 lead. Pumas were grateful for the half time lead and whistle given their lack of substitutes. However a recouped Devils side pressed from the very start of the second half. The Pumas began to falter through their tired legs and minds and it wasn’t long before the Devils punished them on the scoreboard.

A tap in for McDowell and Wan in the first five minutes suddenly turning things around for the Devils. Both goals having come from determination and desperation from Clayton, winning the ball back twice deep in their offensive third, before setting up the goals. It seemed that all the luck was on the Devils side from then on, a few missed opportunities from the Pumas punished in the end. Bea Wan popped up at the back post again for her second. Preiato rounded off the win, walking the ball into the net after making an interception while the Pumas were attempting the fly-keeper.

The 5-2 win for the Devils extended their lead at the top of the table to 6points. The two sides are still to play each other one more time before the finals, but the Devils will feel confident after that win. In the battle for 3rd position, it was the Hawks who overcame the Cobras 3-1. The win for the Hawks brings them up to 3rd, level on points with the Pumas but with a lesser goal difference. Finally, the Andinxs picked up their second win of the season against the Phoenix. The win brings them just three points behind Phoenix Futsal WA and still gives them an outside chance to make the finals.