IT was a weekend to celebrate for Swan Hill’s women’s soccer team, securing their first victory since 2019 with a 2-0 win over Epsom at the Ken Harrison Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
Having ended a 32-game winless streak, the Swans now find themselves fifth on the ladder and just five points outside the top four.
Abbey Houlihan put Swan Hill in front just before half-time, the Swans having controlled possession for the opening 45 minutes.
The ball spent the majority of the game inside their attacking half of the ground thanks to the hard work of Amity Scott in defence and midfielders Emma Pitts, Alycia Anderson and Sarah Scott.
While Swan Hill continued to press in the second half, they were unable to find the breathing space that a second goal would allow them until the dying minutes, when Malyna Tants found the back of the net.
It was a successful weekend all round for the Swan Hill Soccer League, with the men’s side also securing the three points courtesy of a forfeit from Shepparton Lushi, moving them to second on the ladder.
The under-16 boys continued their unbeaten start to the season with a commanding 8-0 victory over Strathfieldsaye Colts United.
Sonny Tucker again led the way for Swan Hill, netting three goals, while Nahun Rao Nargisrahoo (two goals) and Bailey Johnson, Qarin Zulkarnin and Marcus Orlando all scored singles.
The win sets up a top-of-the-table clash against Castlemaine Goldfields Gold, who are also yet to taste defeat this season and currently lead the Swans on goal difference.
In the other fixture, the Swans under-14 girls side were unable to back up their last-start victory, going down to Castlemaine Goldfields Green 10-1, with Ella Semia the lone goal scorer for Swan Hill.
