Nike F.C. Cup Match Report: Pythagoras edged out 2-1 by Calder United

Box Hill United were brave in defeat as they were knocked out of the Nike F.C. Cup 2-1 by Calder United.

It built up to an interesting cup tie at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve, as Pythagoras were eager to keep the momentum going after a win in NPL Women over Alamein FC with the same aforementioned scoreline.

It proved to be an action-packed opening 10 minutes of the contest, as Deborah Lawrence – who deputised in goal for Natasha Stathopoulos – was in the right position to block an early Calder United free-kick.

Heading straight up the other end, a Chiara Lettieri shot that was initially kept out but then rolled agonisingly along the goal line prevented what would have been a dream start. However, up stepped Georgia Karaparidis, who saw the opportunity to calmly chip a long range shot into an empty net following some confusion in the Calder backline.

Calder did get one back just after the quarter hour mark, with Olivia Anderson drilling a low shot past Lawrence to equalise 1-1.

As the score line suggests, it was an evenly contested match with neither team able to have a lengthy spell of possession. It proved to be a case of who could latch on the turnover the best, as Calder got their reward from it.

With just over an hour played, the home side put themselves in front with a tap in from Larissa Walsh who created space in the box.

The score didn’t diminish Box Hill United’s endeavour, as the experienced heads of skipper Olivia Ellis and Bridie Cooling were excellent in raids down the flanks and tackles respectively.

The cup tie eventually ended 2-1, with Pythagoras showing plenty to suggest they can test NPL Women ladder-leaders FC Bulleen Lions on Friday night.

The sole focus will now be on the league, as it’s still a very even competition with one or two wins able to catapult sides up the table.

Match details:

Calder United 2′ (Anderson 16′, Walsh 65′) – Box Hill United 1 (Karaparidis 9′)