PÄRNU JK PROVE TOO STRONG FOR RIGA UNITED LADIES
12 / 03 / 2016
Pärnu JK 
With 3 goals in each half, Pärnu JK see off Riga United.
Authour: Richard Youatt
Date Published: 13/03/2016, 14:35
Riga United always knew it would be a tough task going to
the Estonian champions, who have dominated Estonian football for
sometime. And so it was proven as Pärnu put 6 past the
travelling team.
Riga United could curse their luck, even before the kick-off
whistle as an injury to new player Gina Grosland during the warm up
had possibly shaken everyone up. That also meant last minute
to the lineup as May Ali came in at left back for Grosland.
Whether they didn’t know what was going to hit them or the injury
had an effect on the team, the first 20 minutes for Riga United
wasn’t the best. 3 goals were scored by Pärnu in those first
twenty, as the home side just simply played the ball behind the
full backs. That said, the latter of the first half was spent with
Riga United playing competitively and getting themselves composed
and back in the game as they saw out the first half only 3 goals
down.
At half time, wanting to give everyone game time and experiment,
Manager Justin Walley made changes at half time. The
formation was changed, as was five players. Two of them,
Marte Gronvold and Linda Kazlauska, promoted from the youth academy
for their first 11-a-side senior debuts.
The second half saw the grit and determination that the Riga United
Ladies have become known for as they took control of the second
half with a handful of chances being made and Liene Vāciete coming
the closest. They were commanding the game for the first 20
minutes until a soft free kick goal was conceded and that more or
less spelt the end of any comeback as Pärnu made it 4-0.
Two late goals were given away as the Ladies legs’ were getting
tired and the competitiveness of Pärnu came through and showed why
they are defending champions.
The standout player for Riga United was debutant Jevgenija
Arzubova, who was playing an unfamiliar right back role. She
worked very hard and kept the threat of Anastassia Morkovkina
quiet.
Manager’s thoughts:
Speaking after the game, Justin Walley had to say this about
Saturday’s game: "I think it was a good exercise for the girls
because it still shows how far behind the very best teams we are.
There were positives for me as I tried 3 different systems and had
4-5 players making their debuts, and for 15 minutes of the 2nd
half, we were better, which shows genuine potential.
I think 6-0, wasn't representative of the game and quite flattering
for Pärnu. However, they are a fantastic team and can’t take that
away from them. This whole trip was a great learning
experience for the players”.