Some players on the pitch have a telepathic understanding of each other’s movements and Chelsie Dawber’s sumptuous volley against Canberra United was the epitome of that synergy.
The Reds had won three straight games after losing the opening match of the W-League 2020/21 season.
However, they would enter their home clash at Marden Sports Complex two games without a triumph following a defeat and draw to Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers respectively.
Indeed, Dawber was on target against the Wanderers the week prior and was determined to build on that.
“I missed the previous few games before that game,” the striker said.
“So it was good to get on the scoresheet which meant a lot to me. I think it then meant I could play bit more freely on the pitch and backed myself to have some shots.
“It also gave our team belief that we can be finals contenders, obviously we missed out in the end by one goal.
“But I think that set that tone that we can do it and beat the top four sides.”
Isabel Hodgson collected the ball on the right and instinctively clipped a cross to the back post where she knew Dawber would be lurking.
The 21-year-old timed her run to perfection and emphatically struck her volley into the top corner.
“I think we had possession and then we’ve lost the ball and the ball’s kind of just dribbled out to Izzy (Isabel Hodgson),” she recalled.
“And Izzy just looked up and saw me at the back post and has crossed it and that was my first instinct was to just run.
“I got good connection and hit it top corner on the volley so that was always a good feeling.
“I think Izzy and I just have that connection from playing with each other for the last few years at Adelaide City and Adelaide United and I guess she just knew I was going to be there.”
Canberra would equalise on the stroke of half-time, but Emily Condon gave the hosts the lead after the re-start to claim a 2-1 win.
Dawber said the goal gave her a lot of confidence moving forward and she ended the campaign with five goals in eight games.
“It was pretty special, I think always my instant reaction is to just run somewhere, I don’t know where or who to,” she said.
“That was an awesome feeling which then carried on to me scoring further goals in the next few games.”
