United front: The Launceston United team line-up for the season's final fixture. Picture: Kaleb Clark
Sports Editor ROB SHAW reflects on the performance of our statewide league soccer clubs this season
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LAUNCESTON UNITED
Finish
2nd in Women's Super League (Played 18, Won 9, Drawn 0, Lost 9, goals for 34, goals against 29, goal difference +5, points 27)
Losing finalist in Statewide Cup
Top scorer
Dani Gunton (16)
Story of the season
Stepping up to statewide competition after an unbeaten title-winning Northern Championship season, United made an instant impact by beating Clarence 5-1 on the opening day. However, while the Zebras then won 16 of their next 17 fixtures to run away with the title, United soon realised it wouldn't always be that easy. Five straight defeats in May-June told its own story but a cup final appearance, strong finish and hard-earned second place more than justified the club's decision to step up.
Looking up: Jess Robinson played a pivotal role in midfield. Picture: Kaleb Clark
Team style
Co-coaches Lynden Prince and Frank Compton preached the value of wingplay with the likes of Laura Dickinson, Elodie Gray, Maddie Lohse and Jess McCallumsmith roaming the state's touchlines. With the industry of Jess Robinson and occasional flair of Sofie Verhaegen in the middle, striker Dani Gunton had a European platter to feast on.
Pivotal moment
After three wins from three games, United were not only top of the league but also safely through to the cup quarter-finals and then 2-0 up against South Hobart.
In the words of Compton: "The girls probably thought the league was a little easier than it actually was."
They eventually lost that game 2-3 and the following weekend and those five straight defeats were lurking ominously on the horizon.
At the beginning of the season, we thought we could go mid-table - that was our expectation. We've done that and more, so we've got to be happy with that
- Lynden Prince
READ MORE: Junior Sport Awards Nomination open
Highlight
Thrashing Clarence first up and taking the lead in the cup final are hard to beat but the thrilling 3-2 semi-final win at Kingborough was probably the best day of the campaign.
Best player
Robinson brought England youth international experience, a faultless first touch, solid workrate and Yorkshire accent, and all were warmly appreciated by her teammates. Scored or created pivotal goals including a brace in the cup semi-final before opening the scoring in the final.
Honourable mentions
A mid-season arrival from Launceston City, the tough-tackling Karla Jones could teach Claude Makélélé how to play the Makélélé defensive midfield role.
Madi Gilpin's versatility was a huge loss after breaking a bone in her wrist during the cup final while Sydney Carnie shared the league golden glove award as United conceded just 29 goals, only two more than the runaway champions.
Quiet achiever
Despite losing her central defensive partner Katie Hill to injury for much of the campaign, Nichola Clark (nee James) revelled in the responsibility of leading the backline.
Rarely flustered, brave and always encouraging to her teammates, the former Riverside captain has also developed a left foot she may have previously been unaware of.
Best prospect
Universally known at the club by her initials as "LAD", Dickinson brings a desirable combination of touch, pace and confidence. A solid provider of goals on the wing, she is just as comfortable at full-back.
Bonnie LAD: Laura Dickinson roams upfield against Taroona. Picture: Craig George
The coach says
"At the beginning of the season, we thought we could go mid-table - that was our expectation," Prince said. "We've done that and more, so we've got to be happy with that."
Next season
Verhaegens and Robinsons don't grow on gum trees so would be hard to replace. But the co-coaches took on the task saying it would be at least a two-year project and the mid-term report card is overwhelmingly positive.
Having a monopoly on Northern players keen to test themselves in statewide competition can also only help.
A repeat of top two in league and cup would represent another excellent campaign.
Justin Chadwick
Oliver Caffrey
Oliver Caffrey
Justin Chadwick
Oliver Caffrey
Oliver Caffrey
Justin Chadwick
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