Spencer into history books as City kick-start season

Little did Jasmyne Spencer know that as she emerged from the tunnel at AAMI Park on Friday evening she would be about to create history.

Spencer’s three goals not only saw off Sydney FC 3-1 but also meant she became the first City player to score a hat-trick in the Westfield W-League.

Spencer’s achievement means even more when one considers the names that have donned City Blue throughout their short, but storied, history.

MATCH REPORT: Melbourne City see off Sydney FC in Grand Final re-match

Jess Fishlock, Lisa De Vanna and Larissa Crummer have all represented City down the years but it is Spencer who enters the record books.

As far as hat-tricks go this was of the highest order, no penalties, just raw skill, power and intelligence.

Her first saw the American cleverly navigate herself through a Sydney defence missing Alanna Kennedy and her shot was lethal from close range.

Her second came courtesy of Helen Caceres’ inch-perfect cross, Spencer timing her run expertly and finishing well to put her side in the lead.

Again, teamwork was at the heart of the third and final goal.

The industrious Caceres won the ball in her own half before Rhali Dobson gained possession out wide, her defence-splitting through ball rolling into the path of Spencer who unleashed a venomous strike past Sydney goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe.

Spencer wasn’t alone in personal achievements however with Sydney forward and Young Matilda Amy Sayer scoring on debut for the club.

16-year old Sayer did well to anticipate City goalkeeper Lydia Williams save off De Vanna’s shot and buried the re-bound to draw level mid-way through the first half.

Sydney will be disappointed to come home from Melbourne empty-handed and will have a week to mull over this defeat as they have the bye in Round 3.

City meanwhile will need to maintain their intensity as they prepare for a massive Melbourne Derby next Friday at AAMI Park.