SOCCER
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BATHURST soccer graduate Erica Halloway finished the W-League season in style on Sunday as she not only found the back of the net for the Western Sydney Wanderers, but produced a player of the match performance.
Halloway is one of two players in the Wanderers outfit – Cowra’s Ellie Carpenter the other – who refined her skills at Bathurst’s Proctor Park before taking her game to another level.
While that pair will not take part in this year’s W-League finals series, both have impressed against the leading female players in Australia.
Halloway was particularly good as the Wanderers defeated Perth Glory 2-0 on Sunday to finish the season in seventh place.
“Playing her first season of Westfield W-League, Halloway has been one of the highlights of the Wanderers’ squad and today was no different as she tore up her opposing number on the wing,” the Wanderers posted on their website after the match.
Playing in front of 583 spectators at Popondetta Park, the Wanderers had the best of the first half thanks to Halloway’s inspirational runs.
She sparked into action after an early scare from Glory, but even her efforts were not enough to create a first half goal.
The rivals went to half-time locked at nil-all and when play resumed, Carpenter came close to breaking the stalemate.
Launching a quick counter-attack, wing-back Carpenter found herself unmarked an in possession.
She made her way into the box and cut inside the remaining Glory defender, but unfortunately she could not convert for her maiden W-League goal.
Carpenter’s one-on-one attempt with the goalkeeper went into the side-netting.
While that missed chance deflated the Wanderers, Halloway once again lifted her team-mates with a stunning strike four minutes from time.
“Receiving the ball out wide, Alix Roberts drove into space and delivered a pin-point cross to player of the match, Erica Halloway,” Wandersfc.com.au said.
“Hitting the ball first-time and on the volley, Halloway’s strike gave the on-rushing goalkeeper no chance: sailing over her head and into the back of the net.
“[It was] A goal worthy of winning any game and nothing less than Halloway deserved after such an impressive match.”
The result was sealed when Hannah Beard scored a second for the Wanderers two minutes later.