Cote and Condon send Salisbury ‘Inter’ the history books

A sublime strike from Chilean star Cote Rojas helped Salisbury Inter win their first major honours in their history, defeating WNPLSA Champions Metro United 3-1 at VALO Football Centre on Sunday afternoon.

The Chilean scored a brace either side of halftime, before Condon’s smash and grab goal with ten minutes to go gave Inter their first-ever taste of silverware.

There was a festival atmosphere at Angle Park, with over 1300 fans flocking to VALO Football Centre over a day of Women’s Cup Football - with many staying behind for the showcase match. 

Inter’s game plan right from the off was to take advantage of the combination of Metro United’s high line and the pace of Cote Rojas. 

It was a cagey start in the sunshine at Angle Park. It wasn’t until ten minutes in when we saw the first real chance when Cote failed to connect properly after some pinball in the box. 

Salisbury Inter dominated possession in the first quarter of the match, but provided little penetration through a stubborn and organised Metro United defence. 

After 20 minutes Metro United, from their first real chance going forward, won a corner. From the corner, it was the captain Ness Reed headed home to give her side the lead. 

Metro United


The battle between Metro defender Lauren Steer and Rojas was a great watch but controversy struck on the 40 minute mark. 

Melanie Comyns, the Metro keeper, rushed off her line and was adjudged to have penalised Emily Condon. Gary Mooney pointed to the spot, and Cote Rojas stepped up and cooley slotted the ball into the bottom left corner. Game on. 

Catanzaro’s Inter came flying out of the blocks in the second half, with pace and vigour, and were rewarded early. 

Dragna Kljajic combined well with Emily Condon on the left, before lashing the ball to the edge of the box. Rojas, with a sly touch, floated the ball over a helpless Comyns in the Metro United goal. A truly wonderful strike worthy of it coming in a Cup Final. 

Cote Winner


The Chilean could, and should have wrapped the game up after 63 minutes. Rojas weaved her way past three Metro United players, but the Chilean curled the ball past the upright. 

Stockdale found herself in on goal on 67 but her strike sailed way over the bar. 

The nail in the coffin came with ten minutes to go as the usually impressive Melanie Comyns fumbled a Khal Khan cross. It was the experienced Emily Condon in the right place at the right time to smash the ball home and start the Inter celebrations.

Inter


Photos: Adam Butler

Salisbury Inter: 3(Maria Jose ROJAS PINO 43'(pen), Maria Jose ROJAS PINO 49', Emily CONDON 79')
Metro United WFC: 1(Vanessa REED 20')
Venue: Valo Football Centre
Date: 22/08/2021 03:30
Salisbury Inter Substitutes: Khal ADAM KHAN on Emily HEAZLEWOOD off(63'), Erin HOOD on Emily CONDON off(84'), Isabella  KOUIMTZIS on Dragana KLJAJIC off(90+1')
Metro United WFC Substitutes: Roxanne DODD on Talia BILARDO off(54'), Chanel TODINO on Millie SCOTT off(71'), Michaela HADAJ on Mirella SCALZI off(87'), Amber-May SMITH on Lauren STEER off(87')
Salisbury Inter Yellow cards: Nil
Metro United WFC Yellow cards: Nil
Salisbury Inter Red cards: Nil
Metro United WFC Red cards: Nil