Avondale starting XI: Bennett (GK), Grech, Claridge, Nishihara, Genitsaris (C), Lamaj, Kellond-Knight, Candia, Lines, Steiner, Okino

Goalscoreres: Okino ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️, Steiner ⚽️, Lines ⚽️

The Avengers wasted no time asserting their dominance, racing to a 3-0 lead within the opening 15 minutes.

In the 5th minute, Elise Kellond-Knight opened her account of assists with a delicate lobbed ball behind the Ringwood backline, perfectly weighted for striker Kurea Okino. The Japanese forward timed her run to perfection and coolly slotted past the onrushing keeper.

Five minutes later, relentless pressing high up the pitch forced a turnover, landing at the feet of Saphri Lines. After a deft touch to beat her marker, she struck a pinpoint effort into the top right corner.

Moments after that, Kellond-Knight delivered another lofted ball, this time finding Jess Beddows at the far post. Beddows brought it down brilliantly and cut it back across goal for Okino to tap in her second.

Despite the early deficit, Ringwood responded with urgency, making two substitutions before the 20-minute mark and adjusting their tactical shape. The changes paid dividends, with Ringwood halting Avondale’s attacking rhythm and pulling one back late in the half via a well-worked set-piece to make it 3-1 at the break.

Coach Del Donnelly’s halftime message was clear: reset, refocus, and match Ringwood’s renewed intensity.

The second half began a more even contest, but it was Avondale’s substitutes who shifted the tide once more. The introduction of Simeone Kenny, Larissa Walsh and Stephanie Grech added energy and composure.

The Avengers soon found their second wind. Kurea Okino completed her hat-trick before adding a fourth, showcasing her elite finishing and movement off the ball.

Then, in a highlight-reel moment, Elise Kellond-Knight notched her third assist of the day with a diagonal delivery into the box, met superbly by American forward Addison Steiner, who volleyed home emphatically.

A brilliant team performance that combined clinical finishing with strong squad depth saw Avondale win 6-1 and maintain their momentum at the top end of the table.

Next up, the Avengers host a dangerous Bundoora United side on Sunday, May 11 at 3 p.m. at Avenger Park. Be there to witness another thrilling chapter in our 2025 campaign.