A footballing master class from Boroondara Eagles saw them punish a stagnant Sandringham SC to the tune of 4-1 at a wet and windy Knox Regional Football Centre.
The visitors have started the WPL season in strong form, which made the Eagles performance all the more impressive, as Taryne Boudreau helped herself to a thoroughly deserved hat-trick.
Sarah Jacobs added the other for the hosts, while Steph Tanti pulled one back for Sandy from the penalty spot.
The backdrop of drizzling rain, gentle wind and icy conditions laid foundation for some brilliant footballing exchanges in the first half as both teams set out to attack from the get go.
Nikki Cook did well to stop Emma Hubbard from close range within the opening 10 minutes, but was left little chance in the 13th minute as Boudreau grabbed her first, and arguably the best, of the night.
The Canadian forward claimed the ball just outside the area and swiftly struck across the face, with the ball dipping under the crossbar and over the planted Sandy shot stopper.
Hubbard’s cross from the right grazed the crossbar just a minute after the opener, which would’ve had Sandringham well and truly on the back foot.
But that merely played warm-up to a beautiful second goal, as Boroondara gained full control with another on 18 minutes.
Aliesha Newman toiled hard to win the ball in the final third and she laid the ball off to Amy Jackson who tried her luck from range.
The shot was tipped onto the crossbar by Cook, who then watched on as Boudreau followed in to grab a second of the night.
An injury to Amore Martin saw a quick reshuffle in defence, Emma Littlewood brought on in central defence with Alex Gummer moving across to the left.
In the 38th minute, Boroondara had three as midfielder Jacobs claimed the ball on the edge of the area before placing the ball low past Cook from 18-yards.
Only a handful of chances fell Sandringham’s way, the best going the way of Tanti, who was played through by Emma Robers, only for keeper Anna Lanning to make a good save.
To their credit, Sandy showed improvement in the second half, and looked dangerous with the width Nicola Westwood offered, but Littlewood had her measure for the majority of the contest.
Their avenue back into the game came in the 57th minute as Eagles keeper Lanning bundled over Kristie Shearing inside the box.
The referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot, and Tanti duly delivered with a sliding penalty down the right side.
Boroondara showed their class in their response, as they ramped up the dial and applied more pressure on the Sandringham defence.
Cook once again came to the rescue, saving a powerful effort from Boudreau with her face; the thump of leather on cheek echoed across the ground.
Amy Jackson had a goal scratched for a clear offside, while substitute Eliza Gleadell made herself busy with a tidy effort that was saved by Lanning.
But a hectic final 10 minutes came to a close when Boudreau claimed the match ball with a near post header from Jackson’s corner.
Boroondara deserved winners on the night, with Shaun Ontong’s girls looking a real threat for the WPL title.
***
Boroondara Eagles 4 (Boudreau 13’ 18’ 90+2’, Jacobs 38’) defeated Sandringham SC 1 (Tanti 57’ [p]) at Knox Regional Football Centre [HT: 3-0]
Boroondara Eagles: 1. Anna LANNING [GK], 3. Ally GAYFER, 9. Alex GUMMER, 5. Sky JENSEN, 22. Amore MARTIN (19. Emma LITTLEWOOD 21’), 15. Amy JACKSON, 6. Ash CALLAGHAN, 2. Sarah JACOBS, 17. Emma HUBBARD (11. Charlotte LE CAM 46’), 7. Taryne BOUDREAU, 11. Aliesha NEWMAN
Unused Substitute(s): 8. Ellen TURNER, 21. Alondra VILLA
Yellow Card(s): Lanning 57’, Boudreau 90’
Red Card(s): Nil
Sandringham SC: 21. Nikki COOK [GK], 18. Sienna FOGARTY (c), 19. Annabelle GIBNEY, 11. Lucy KAPUSTA, 28. Emily MORRIS-KRAUSE, 6. Steph PARTON, 8. Nicola WESTWOOD, 4. Emma ROBERS, 7. Kristie SHEARING, 10. Steph TANTI, 13. Alina KAPUSTA (12. Eliza GLEADELL 46’)
Unused Substitute(s):, 1. Ingrid PHILIPPE, 25. Elizabeth QUINTON, 29. Irena TASESKI, 50. Lois GREENWOOD
Yellow Card(s): Fogarty 75′
Red Card(s): Nil