Shepparton United's Grace Kirunga prepares to throw the ball back into play.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Shepparton United’s Nike Cup campaign came to an early close at the weekend, but its coach says her side is better for the run ahead of the beginning of the local season.
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United hosted State League Women’s outfit Aspendale FC at McEwen Reserve with a quartet of debutants in tow, three of whom have come through the junior ranks.
The Blues held the Stingrays goalless right up to the shadows of half-time, where Annaliese Bader hit the first of Aspendale’s three goals, doubling her haul in the 61st minute.
An own goal closing in on the final whistle put the result beyond doubt at 3-0, but Blues’ coach Sheridan Fairless is taking the positives out of the hitout.
“They're obviously quite a bit higher than us in terms of the level of competition they would normally play,” Fairless said.
“We were really happy with how the girls went and it was a good opportunity to get a full 90 minutes into the legs before the start of our season this weekend.”
United also caught a glimpse into its future as teenagers Macy Carrafa, Violet Higgins, and Lexi Boswell took the field at senior level for the first time.
“We had four debutants which was pretty exciting, some girls that have come through our junior program that haven't played seniors before,” Fairless said.
“Three of them just turned 14, and they’re girls that have all played in our junior program over the last couple of years.
“It’s exciting for us to give them an opportunity to go out and have a run.”
With pre-season now in the books, the Blues will look ahead to their League 1 women’s clash against La Trobe University this weekend to kickstart their FV Greater Bendigo campaign.
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