ACT Canberra Strikers progress to play-offs after drawing against Tasmanian Van Demons at 2-2
ACT Canberra Strikers have cruised into the play-off game for the 5th and 6th
position, after playing a draw game by 2-2 against Tasmanian Van Demons at Women’s Australian Hockey League (AHL) in Darwin.
Despite the fact that both of the teams were at the same spot on the points table, but a better goal scoring rate did the job for Strikers in putting them forward for the 5th place. Strikers have a better goal difference of minus 3, as compared
to Van Demons with minus 8.
The match proved a nerve-racking fight, which eventually did not go the either way and finished at levelled scores. Comprising with a number of young players, both of the teams were looking as favourites for the result, as the game can turn out to be for
any side.
The Strikers seemed in a great touch, creating early opportunities in the start with some beautiful field efforts as well as a penalty corner, which was missed by Anna Flanagan, the national hockey player. The ball went on hitting the left side of the goal-post.
On the other hand, Van Demons were also making hard efforts and striving for the goals. It was during mid-way of the first half when Van Demons succeeded in breaking the defence-line in 18th minute. Sofie McLeod scored the first goal of the match
on a penalty corner and put the Tasmanians 1-0 ahead of their contenders. However, their lead was short-lived, as in the 21st minute Naomi Evans scored an equaliser field goal and made the score level. The first half ended at 1-1.
The second half proved the replica of first half as both of the teams were fighting hard for the goals, but not finding the right way to do the damage. Katie Glynn was astonishing with some excellent efforts and shots on goal searching for the lead for Strikers.
Canberra played awesome hockey in the second half with Katie and Christie Underwood, creating several chances for the Strikers.
However it took a very long time, till the 61st minute, for Strikers to score their second goal, which came nine minutes before the close of play. Underwood did it for Strikers by scoring a comfortable field goal on a pass from Katie. But the
lead lasted only for two minutes as Sofie McLeod did it again for the Van Demons by scoring another field goal in 63rd match, her second of the match. The match ended at score 2-2.
Tasmanian Van Demons will play against NT Pearls for the 7th or 8th position.
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