Turkish Derby Ends all Square

On the 23rd of July, Hilalspor hosted Yıldızspor at Thomastown East Reserve with the game kicking off at 12.30pm. Hilalspor won the toss and choose to be against the wind in the first half.

The competition was fierce as both teams were together on the leader board as two points were separating the teams. There was added pressure as both teams have a Turkish background that fuelled the rivalry.

Yıldızspor kicked off however Hilalspor put them to the test from first minute. Midfielders were caught between going up and down the field as the plays were intensified with tension from both sides.

Key forward Selin was given the opportunity to score a beauty of a goal, however was knocked down last moment, which the referee chose to ignore the incident. There were a few attempts from both sides however the pressure of trying to score had left the board scoreless at the end of the first half.

Yıldızspor missed a key chance just before the end of first half.  The scores were locked in at nil at the break.

The wind picked up in the second half to advantage Hilalspor. The conditions becoming harsher made it harder for Yıldızspor to push the ball forward to their goals. This made it easier for Hilalspor to go over the top and the stars tried keeping the ball on the ground to advantage the stars.

The wind advantage helped bring the ball into the penalty area and Yıldızspor looked to be in danger. A crucial mistake in defence gave Hilalspor the ball they were able to utilise and shoot with ease. Making Hilalspor score the first goal for the game and putting them in front 1-0.

The game continued with Yıldızspor struggling and forced to avoid kicking the ball far and adopt floor passes, that still made it hard to get the ball through the field. Within the last 2 minute Yıldızspor scored with last man Dilara, was able to dribble past three players and had a glance at the goals and that was all she needed to send a bullet through the keepers hands and into the back of the net. This gave the Yıldızspor the momentum and energy to finish off the game with more spirit and maybe snatch a victory from no where however they had run out of time and the game came to a close with the scores all locked at 1-1.

This is Yıldızspor third draw to the season, and adds to their position after last week’s lost. Yıldızspor points add up, currently making them 9th on the ladder.

Next week, Sunday the 30^th of July Yıldızspor will go against Diamond Valley United, who is currently positioned 8th on the ladder with one point being between each team. The game will be at Progress Reserve and kick off at 3pm.

Final Scores

Yıldızspor  1

Hilalspor   1

Elif Yildiz