Albion Park’s 59-match winning run is one for the archives
On the first Sunday in September 2016, Albion Park went down 3–0 away to a Jasmin Pearce-inspired Tarrawanna. Park had lost seven days earlier (1–0 vs Woonona), however, they wouldn’t taste another defeat — or even a draw — for 807 days in perhaps one of the greatest winning streaks in football history.
The Numbers -
- 59 wins
- 286 goals for (4.84 per game)
- 21 goals against (0.35 per game)
- 40 clean sheets
- 8 trophies — 2016 WD1 Grand Final, 2017 State Cup, 2017 WD1 League Championship, 2017 WD1 Grand Final, 2017 Champion of Champions, 2018 State Cup, 2018 WD1 League Championship, 2018 WD1 Grand Final
Dunbar Rovers would be the outfit to end Albion Park’s winning ways and prevent the side from notching up back-to-back perfect seasons. The two met in Sunday’s Champion of Champions decider after Park had won the previous four meetings with the Rovers dating back to 2014.
Dunbar kicked out to a two-goal halftime lead including a cracking solo effort from Darcey Read. Despite dominating the second 45 minutes, Park were unable to restore parity, going down 2–1.
The aftermath was worth noting, Park held their heads high and coach Richard Davis admitted they would cop the defeat on the chin but they would soon refocus for next years.
From the other dugout, Dunbar coach David Buck oozed respect for the opposition despite masterminding their downfall. During the trophy ceremony, he sought out the microphone to praise Park’s quality which echoed the comments in his post-match interview.
“We knew it was going to be a tough one from the start, Albion Park have probably been the best side in the last two years in New South Wales — maybe even three or four years.
“It was a privilege to play against such a good team, my girls stood up today, superb first half and under the cosh in the second half,” Buck said.
The remarkable run is only rivalled by the great Univerity Hippos of a decade ago who were named the FFA’s 2010 Team of the Year after going 540 days without defeat. The Illawarra Mercury reported in 2010 that they had won 69 games in a row, however, this includes preseason matches.
Whoever holds the record, it has to be said the Illawarra has been blessed to have two sensational sides in such a short period of time. What a matchup it would be to have Park taking on the Hippos in their pomp.
Writer comments— Despite researching and enquiring through various channels, I have found it difficult to accurately determine the length of University’s winning streak. I wouldn’t include preseason matches in such a record and if I did it should be noted Albion Park didn’t have the option of playing any in 2018.
The article I refer to mentions University winning six trophies in the 2009 season which I assume is the Preseason Cup, State Cup, League Championship, Grand Final, Champion of Champions and one other. Could someone please let me know what the sixth trophy was? The article does say ‘state cups’. Once again, I wouldn’t include the Preseason Cup and if I did Albion Park would have nine in over the course of their run after winning the 2017 Preseason Cup.
The reporting and archiving of Illawarra football isn’t fantastic — even more so for the women’s game so hopefully one day this article will come in handy for someone writing about the next great Illawarra women’s side.
