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An imperfect day for the Blue Devils saw some points and a handful of goals missed as the girls looked to blow out the cobwebs after their week off.

ANU forfeited the Premier League U18 fixture due to a lack of players, which was fortunate in some respects given the entire Blue Devils camp had been involved with either the Nationals in Coffs Harbour, or the Kanga Cup locally. 3 points are 3 points however and this 'result' insures the title hopefuls remain within striking distance of the Minor Premiership.

Premier League Reserves played out a disappointing 2-2 draw and were clearly feeling the effects of the 2 week break. A low energy and disappointing performance from the Blue Devils had few highlights, and saw them forced to come from behind twice in order to grind out the final result. Missing a number of regular starters, BUFC were fortunate that 8 of their U18’s were willing to forgo what should have been a well deserved weekend off. Young stars Lyndal Slater, Caitlin Cantrill, Sian Minary Bland and Sam Roff were all deservingly handed starting births, while the equally impressive Alex Paterson, Nicole Jalocha, Abi Murphy, comprised the bench along with 12yr old Mikayla Van Deyk who confidently stepped up to join them in her first appearance at this level. The match started relatively slowly and BUFC were dealt a blow in the opening minute when Nationals ‘All Star’, Cantrill, went down injured and forced an early change. With neither team really taking control, a defensive lapse saw ANU go ahead on the 7 minute mark when Belconnen failed to deal with what was really only a half-chance. Player of the match, Sian Minary Bland, levelled the scores 3 minutes later in what should have been a catalyst for BUFC to take control however they failed to do so and after conceding again just before half time, the Blue Devils were scratching their heads as to how and why they were going in, 2-1 down at the break. Poor execution, laziness and a lack of communication were the three top offenders, however unfortunately the next 45minutes only saw more of the same. Sam Roff injected a spark in the second half and levelled the scores 10 minutes after the break but despite a few fleeting glimpses, Belconnen were unable to find the cohesion or intensity required to claim all 3 points.

With the added motivation of the Club Championship needing a boost, Belconnen United’s Premier League side took the field desperate to overcome a tricky opponent in ANU, how had shown a spike in form before the 2 week hiatus. With a strong start in mind, Belconnen went ahead in the 4th minute through Clare Munro and arguably should have had a few more in the early stages, however ANU fought hard to prevent the visitors from getting away. Although the Blue Devils were rarely troubled at the back, they lost some of the early intensity and left themselves with plenty still to do in the second 45mins, going in 1-0 up at the break. The second half then started similarly to the first with BUFC’s setting the pace and looking to take the match to the home side. A return to the vintage form of Sabrina Spinapolice saw the #10 claim a brace in the opening 20mins, and it seemed the floodgates were about to open. Belconnen kept ANU under constant pressure for the remainder of the half and comfortably controlled the remainder of the match however despite countless attacking raids down the right by Michelle Thompson and Miki Day, Belconnen was unable to capitalise. The introduction of Kelly Grocock and Milli Black saw new life injected at the back, however no further scores were registered and after 90mins the fixture finished 3-0.

An outstanding performance by player of the match, Thompson, was complimented well by Day at the back, and Tash Ackland also continued her recent run of good form in the midfield.