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Wednesday, 10 February 2010

Australia News Victory Ladies See Off Mariners

TWO well-taken goals by Marlies Oostdam and Rebecca Tegg capped off a dominant 2-0 display by the Melbourne Victory in their historic opening clash with Central Coast Mariners.

Victory had the better of the opening half, producing several opportunities to score, but didn't open their account until the 54th minute when Oostdam curled in a spectacular free kick.

Some nervous Mariner defence in the 60th minute allowed Tegg in for a one-on-one with Central Coast stopper Lisa Hartley and the New Zealand international produced a delightful chip that left her opponent stranded.

Oostdam and Timko continued to cause headaches for the Mariners, with Timko getting some well-deserved applause when substituted for Sophie Hogben in the 65th minute.

Oostdam put the icing on a best afield display with a goal saving block 11 minutes from time.

Kyah Simon was also busy in midfield for the Mariners, putting Stephanie Haim through in the 21st minute on the left, only to be cut out by the outstanding Laura Alleway.

Simon's good work earned a free kick in the 33rd minute on the edge of the Victory box. Renee Rollason lined up to take it but was denied by a brilliant diving save by Melissa Barbieri.

"We were perhaps a little overwhelmed by the occasion tonight and didn’t produce the quality that we’re capable of, but we’ll be wiser for the experience and will take that into future games," said Mariners Westfield W-League Head Coach Stephen Roche after the match.

"Full credit to the Victory, they’re an experienced side and they deserved their win tonight, the positive that we can take from the game is that we know how much we can improve and how much we still have to offer to the Westfield W-League."

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