United rain goals on Bankstown City in welcome return to form

Before his team’s NSW National Premier League Round 12 fixture Manly United coach Tom Hopley said that despite inconsistent results there were goals coming for his team. And on Sunday the prophecy came true when United beat Bankstown City 4-1 at Jensen Park.

“It was very pleasing to bang a couple of goals in,” Hopley said. “We finished our chances very well and created even more that were either saved or blocked by last ditch defending.

“It was a great team performance. We played our possession-based game and moved the opposition around really well. We were patient and made Bankstown chase shadows for a large portion of the second half.”

United made a statement early – indeed in the first minute – when Em Minett slammed a ball home after a scrap from a corner.

City equalised in the 38th minute after a deflection from a shot outside the area. But the second half was all United.

In the 46th minute Tara Andrews slammed a ball home after Remy Siemsen headed down from a quickly taken free kick.

In the 60th minute Siemsen scored with a left-foot screamer from 25 yards out.

And in the 65th minute Andrews had a double when she tapped home her own well-saved, albeit rebounded, shot

Hopley said his entire team was “great” but singled out Tash Prior, Ally Green and Nicole Stuart “who were all on fire”.

“It was a great performance but as I said to the girls afterwards, let’s make sure we build on it. We want to take it one week at a time so our attention now turns to Koalas and hopefully getting on a bit of a roll,” Hopley said.

Despite the win United remain in 9th position on the ladder, two wins outside the top-4.