NPL NSW Women’s 2 Round 7 Review
UNSW Lions took on Southern Branch at David Phillips Field in the NPL NSW Women’s 2 match of the round.
UNSW Lions’ 2-0 win over Southern Branch was overshadowed by a suspected broken ankle suffered by Kalinda Wills. The injury, which occurred in the second half after Wills landed awkwardly, required a lengthy break in play and Southern Branch were unable to find a way back into the match.
UNSW Lions, who have struggled in front of goal so far this season, got off to the best of starts – taking the lead after just ten minutes. After probing down the left channel when going forward, UNSW’s playmaker Rebecca Browning picked up the ball and slid in a neat killer pass which found the feet of the runner Alexandra Smith. Still with a lot to do, Smith, on the left edge of the box, cut the ball back onto her right foot, fooling two defenders in the process before hitting a bullet shot which went in off the front post.
Despite going a goal behind early on in the proceedings, Southern Branch rallied and nearly equalised soon after thanks to a well worked corner. The delivery, which was deep and to the back post, found a teammate free and the header was cleared off the line.
Southern Branch soon created another chance, this time from open play. After some nice build up play down right, Southern Branch worked the ball into midfield and then into the feet of the ‘Number 9’, Madelaine Costanzo. Costanzo’s touch sucked in the defender, before she swivelled and shot with lightening pace, so much so that the goalkeeper was nearly caught off guard and needed two attempts to get the ball safely into her grasp.
As half time approached, with the score unchanged, Southern Branch again had another chance to equalise, with Danielle Wise bursting in behind and forcing the goalkeeper to save.
With Southern Branch coming close to end the first half, but unable to score, they were dealt a blow 12 minutes after the restart when they found themselves 2-0 behind. Shani Lauf doubled the Lions’ lead when her long distance strike found the back of the net. The shot, from all of 35 metres was central and at a comfortable height for the goalkeeper, but an untimely fumble helped the ball find its way to goal.
Southern Branch again tried to rally and find a way back into the match but their momentum was halted when the injury to Wills, in the 73rd minute, required a ten minute break in play. The injury, believed to be a broken ankle, came during a promising Southern Branch attack. Wills, who jumped to flick a ball through for Wise, appeared to roll her left ankle as she landed and when Wise’s shot went wide, immediate attention was required.
Costanzo was then brilliantly denied by UNSW goalkeeper Danielle Bartels soon after play restarted. Costanzo’s ferocious shot, struck from near the penalty spot, looked to be heading in but Bartels reacted instantly and dived acrobatically to her right to tip the ball over the crossbar.
UNSW Lions were able to see out the match and maintain a clean sheet, but there was little joy on the faces of the players at fulltime, with Wills still receiving medical treatment on the sideline.
Central Coast Mariners Academy vs Sydney Olympic, at Pluim Park
Inter Lions vs Northern Tigers, at Concord Oval
Northern Tigers picked up their first win of the season, shocking Inter Lions 2-1 at Concord Oval. Goals from Ella Gibson and Emily Diaz cancelled out Danyelle Pringle’s strike.
Western NSW Mariners vs Sutherland Shire FA, at Glen Willow Stadium
Western NSW Mariners defeated Sutherland Shire FA 3-1 to surge up the ladder. The crucial win, with only a point separating the two sides, sees Western NSW Mariners overtake Sutherland on the ladder.
Reserve Grade Results:
UNSW Lions defeated Southern Branch 2-1 at David Phillips Field. Elsewhere, top of the table Inter Lions defeated last placed Northern Tigers 3-1, Central Coast Mariners Academy fell to Sydney Olympic 2-1 and Western NSW Mariners beat Sutherland Shire FA 2-1.
-By Kate Cohen
