MARGARET River Mermaids soccer team travelled to Australind for their first league game in the top flight competition on Sunday.
Work, personal commitments and injury reduced the team to 10 players.
Mermaids started hesitantly and allowed Australind to take charge with a couple of quick goals.
Mermaids didn't drop their heads even after suffering several injuries and the second half was a revelation with Katie Jupp going into defence and repelling attack after attack, while Isabel Pianta was starting to open big holes in the Australind defence.
Being unable to clear the ball resulted in another Australind goal but instead of deflating the Mermaids, they doubled their efforts and pressured the Australind backs who gave away a penalty, but the goal saved the place kick.
It was at this stage that the fitness of the Mermaids started to take its toll on Australind when a perfect through ball from Darcy O'Shea set up Isabel Pianta to burn off the Australind backs to slot home a late goal.
The last 10 minutes saw the Mermaids take control but failed to impact on the score line. Final score was 3-1.
A great effort by the Mermaids under difficult circumstances. Special mention to Kelsey Quick and Kate Bottomley who both suffered injuries during the game but got back out there.
Any girls looking to play can attend training at 6pm on Tuesday and Thursday at Nippers Oval.
Next Sunday we host Bunbury United at home men at 1pm and Mermaids kick off to be confrimed.
Check our Facebook page, FMR Football Margaret River (Soccer Club).
