WPL: A’s grab first hockey victory for season

Altona’s women grabbed their first win of the season by beating Powerhouse-St Kilda 4-1 in the Women’s Premier League at the State Netball Hockey Centre.

Jess Brennan scored twice and Danni Schubach and Anisha Kidd once each.

While the scoreline suggests an easy win to the A’s, coach Greg Drake said the opposition controlled the game through the middle stages.

The young A’s scored early, repelled constant attack by Powerhouse for the rest of the first half and then scored again just before the break to lead 2-0.

“We had a major dip in the middle of the game and allowed the opponents the opportunity to score,” Drake said. “We absorbed a lot of pressure . . . we have done a lot of work on our defence. Then we scored late goals to win.”

Drake said the win was good reward for the effort his players had put in over the preseason and opening games.

“There are a lot of young players in the side, and I’m very happy with how they’re developing,” he said.

“Mairaed Crawford, our central defender, controlled a lot of the opposition attacks, while Jess Brennan scored two in her first match of the season. Danni Schubach scored one and had another disallowed.”

In another women’s Premier League match, Footscray drew 0-0 with MCC.

In men’s Premier League, Footscray lost 1-0 against MCC on Wednesday night.