Sydnie Williams had a strong game for United. PHOTO/JADE CVETKOV
FOOTBALL
Wairarapa United 7
Western Suburbs 0
CHRIS COGDALE
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Tumu ITM Wairarapa United made no race of their W-League clash with a game Seatoun at Trust House Memorial Park on Saturday.
Samoan international TJ Lyne-Lewis scored her second hat-trick in three games, while Darby Lambert and the outstanding midfielder Kennedy Bryant each scored twice in the seven-goal rout.
Bryant said it was important they built on the previous weekend’s stunning 2-1 away victory over three-time champions Wellington United Diamonds.
“It does wonders for your confidence, especially coming off last week and we knew this week that we had to step it up and like [coach] Paul [Ifill] said, we can’t go away and beat a top tier team and then come back and give one away at home,” she said.
Bryant continued her excellent start to the season, taking advantage of the space she was given in midfield, testing the defence, and setting up her strikers, as well as scoring two goals.
The first was a long-range effort from about 35m when she spotted the Seatoun goalkeeper Katia Brown off her line, and the second came in the dying minutes when she beat Brown in a one-on-one.
In her second year with United, Bryant is relishing playing in an in-form team.
“I had a year off in 2019, and last year was more about getting back into it.
“My teammates make it look easy for me. They back me 100 per cent, and that always helps when you have a team that wants you to go forward and want you to take those shots.
“Everyone gets along so well, and you can see it on the pitch obviously today. All the goals were team goals, and I just love it this year.”
United were in control from the first whistle and could have easily won by double figures if it weren’t for the outstanding effort of Brown, who thwarted United with several brilliant saves, some from point-blank range.
Fullback Casey Scott, centreback Shannon Newlyn, and midfielders Sydnie Williams and Ashleigh Gill impressed in the solid team effort, however, it was Bryant who was the best player on the paddock.
The 21-year-old credited Ifill for encouraging an attacking style of play and installing the confidence in the team that they’re good enough to beat the top teams and win the W-League.
United’s next outing is a top-of-the-table clash with Palmerston North Marist away on Saturday.
“We’ll go back in on Tuesday and work on those fundamental things like we do every week and I’m fully confident that we can come away with a win,” Bryant said.
“The girls are good; we’re a great team and I have no doubt we can win the league.”
