Altona’s state league 1 women recovered from a two goal deficit to record a gutsy 2-2 draw with ladder leader Greensborough on Saturday.
In co-captain Steph Sarantis’ 100th State League 1 appearance, the A’s second half come back was very impressive against a competition heavy weight.
Altona were dominant early in the first 15 minutes, but were unable to convert several penalty corners and many field goal opportunities. Midfielder Emma Aitken was on fire early, with her pace and physical style keeping the ‘Borough girls on the back foot. She was combining well strikers Sarantis and Tegan Purser.
Former international, Danielle Schubach, was her usual dominant self. She was blasting the ball into the attacking circle, but Altona’s forwards were unable to deflect any in the net.
Against the flow of play, an unmarked Greensborough striker found herself on the end of a freak deflection from an Altona stick, and put in an easy goal. Altona were stunned and seemed to go into their shells, with Greensborough scoring an easy second only minutes later to take a 2-0 lead into the break.
Altona came out fired up and began to get on top. Nothing was getting through their defence with Co-Captain Lauren Winship, Carla Ruhe and Kerrin Ford all being rock solid, while midfielder Marian Dickson and striker Kate Gilis also causing some headaches.
With Aitken and Schubach firing, and Sarantis and Purser causing a few headaches up front, Altona kept attacking and creating opportunities. An off the ball incident saw Altona awarded a penalty stroke, which Purser converted with ease, and suddenly the Seagulls were back in the contest.
Altona kept surging forward, almost trying too hard. Then, Sarantis, pounced on a ball in the circle and calmly slotted a goal in her milestone match, to equalise the score at 2-2. The final five minutes saw both coaches place strikers high in attack to try and snag a winner, but despite chances at both ends, the scores remained deadlocked.
Sarantis, a Williamstown resident, is the first Altona woman to ever play 100 State League One games and has been an integral part of the side since they have played in the State’s premier competition in recent years. She has played at Altona for over a decade, and was a regular representative player during her junior years with the Club.
“They are the benchmark at the moment, with a number of representative players, and a pretty intimidating record this year. I was very pleased with the girls’ refusal to give up and ability to stay in the contest with a very strong opposition.” Altona coach Marc Richardson said.
Altona take on Mentone at Grant Reserve on Saturday.
Meanwhile, after receiving a lesson two weeks ago at Doncaster, Altona’s state league 1 men’s mid-season form slump continued with a 4-1 loss to Hawthorn at the State Hockey Centre on Saturday.
Altona was again jumped in the first half, conceding three goals as the sharp Hawthorn attack pounced on Altona defensive errors making the A’s pay.
A penalty corner conversion half way through the second half to Chris Coleman was the only bright spot in an otherwise horrible day for the Seagulls.
“We have been focusing on improving our basics through this season, but obviously have much more work to do. Our turnovers today were costly and put our defence under immense pressure.” conceded Altona co-coach Ben Guy.
Altona take on Mentone at Grant Reserve on Saturday.
