United women make the semifinals

THROUGH TO THE SEMIFINALS: Gisborne United are through to Central Football’s Women’s Federation Cup semifinals after they beat Wanganui City 12-0 at Marewa Park, Napier, on Sunday. The winning United team are, standing (from left): Claire Bayliss, Ali Cameron, Rubi Perano, Jamie Gedye, Becca Peach, Taryn Walford, Kirstie Lovell and Kat Taylor. Kneeling: Karen McDonald, Sarah Graham, Paare Ahuriri-Leach, Kayley Knight and Tessa McDonald. Front: Mel Knight. Picture supplied

FOOTBALL

GISBORNE United beat Wanganui City 12-0 in Napier on Sunday to reach the semifinals of Central Football’s Women’s Federation Cup.

They play Taradale at Harry Barker Reserve on Sunday, August 19, for a place in the final.

United knew little about the Wanganui team, but the plan was to “go hard” from the start and look for an early lead.

United had a strong line-up but midfielders Karen McDonald and Mel Knight had injury worries. McDonald was returning from a quadriceps strain and Knight had picked up a groin injury playing hockey the day before.

The United team has two mother-daughter combinations — Karen and daughter Tessa McDonald, and Mel and daughter Kayley Knight

Up front this season, Jamie Gedye has tormented local defences with her blistering pace. Strike partner Amber Church was missing for this game, as she had Hockey World Cup umpiring duties, but the goals came freely nonetheless.

Rubi Perano ran on to a through-ball to open the scoring.

The second goal came soon after, Perano’s corner being put away by Karen McDonald from short range.

After some good short passing in the penalty area, Tessa McDonald scored the third from an acute angle, 25 minutes in.

Gedye completed a first-half hat-trick and United had a 6-0 lead at the break.

United continued to dominate possession in the second half and created many opportunities.

Kayley Knight rocketed in a volley, Mel Knight drove a left-footed effort into the top corner, Claire Bayliss drilled one into the bottom right corner from outside the area.

Kirsty Lovell came on in midfield alongside Ali Cameron as those carrying niggles came off.

Kat Taylor came on at the back, and Sarah Graham moved forward to add her name to the scoresheet.

Tessa McDonald and Jamie Gedye added one more each. Gedye’s header to finish the scoring from a free-kick out wide from Kayley Knight was one of the best goals of the day.

Other semifinal results: Massey University defeated Moturoa by default, Eskview Blues 1 Taradale 2, Port Hill United 0 Feilding United 2.