Gielnik tops off perfect week with Derby masterclass

What a week it has been for Westfield Matildas forward Emily Gielnik.

On Tuesday she was in Newcastle scoring for the Westfield Matildas, her goal putting the icing on the cake as they trounced Chile 5-0.

Three days later and she’s on the scoresheet again, only this time it’s in one of the biggest fixtures the Westfield W-League has to offer.

MATCH REPORT: Victory claim bragging rights

Gielnik’s second half goal ensured Melbourne Victory would claim bragging rights in the Melbourne Derby, defeating Melbourne City 2-0 at AAMI Park on Friday night.

They say a week is a long time in sport but Gielnik has barely stopped.

The forward was at the heart of everything that was good for Victory, constantly proving a thorn in the side of a City defence missing New Zealand international Rebecca Stott.

In fact, Gielnik quite possibly should have had a hat-trick.

Two minutes after the restart she had the ball in the back of the net, albeit clumsily, but the goal was disallowed after it was adjudged that City goalkeeper Lydia Williams was obstructed by Natasha Dowie.

Unlucky.

Two minutes later she was bearing down on goal only for her shot to graze the woodwork.

Unlucky again.

Gielnik


Third time she took luck out of the equation, racing goalward and unleashing a shot so well-placed Williams had no chance.

Game. Set. Match.

Gielnik’s performance was backed up by her Victory teammates, who despite only having 34% possession out-shot City 12 attempts to 11.

They were resolute in defence, racking up 17 interceptions on their way to completely stifling the home side’s attack.

The win takes Victory three points clear at the top of the Westfield W-League ladder, albeit temporarily, and coach Jeff Hopkins will be buoyed by their positive start to the season.

His City counterpart Rado Vidosic will be somewhat concerned with his side’s second loss in three matches but will take stock in City’s ability to go on a run late in the season.

 

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This article was originally published on the CommBank Matildas website.
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