OUR LIONS WOMEN STARTED THEIR TITLE DEFENCE WITH DEFEAT AGAINST A WELL-DRILLED BRISBANE CITY SIDE IN THE BRISBANE CLASSICO
An intense five-goal thriller ended in defeat for our Lionesses in our first competitive match of 2024.
Brisbane City stormed us from the first whistle, forcing two fine saves from Emily Clark before a close-range strike from the visitors gave them an early lead inside three minutes. Despite the early pressure, we remained focused and levelled the scoring on the fifteen-minute mark. Meghan McElligott picked up possession in the final third, darting across two centre-backs before driving a fierce strike into the bottom left corner with power.
The first half was a physical affair, with both sides throwing their bodies on the line to wrestle possession from each other. It was a proper Brisbane Classico. Tui Dugan made a crucial interception and clearance inside the box before Tara O’Keeffe prayed a long ball up the field in a blistering counterattack that ended with a fine save from the Brisbane City keeper.
A last-ditch Emileigh Bowman slide tackle stopped City from storming through 3-on-1 before the final whistle concluded an intense opening half.
We started the second half with more composure. Meghan McElligott almost flipped the score in our favour, attempting to round the keeper on the counter, but an unlucky bobble allowed Georgina Worth to recover the ball.
City re-captured the lead just after the hour mark with a close-range strike after recovering possession in midfield. Amy Gunston was the first to attempt a response, surging through three players before sending a cutback into the centre of the box. Nobody was able to latch on, unfortunately.
Emily Clark made a fantastic low-diving save at her far post, but a third goal ten minutes from time condemned us to an opening-day defeat. Meghan McElligott forced a fine diving save, before Sam DiBien gave us a lifeline with a desperate header clipped underneath the crossbar. A late onslaught ensued, but the visitors survived to claim all three points in a hard-fought Brisbane Classico.
MATCH DETAILS
NPL Women 2024 Round #1
Lions FC 2 – 3 Brisbane City
Luxury Paints Stadium, Richlands
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NEXT MATCH
NPL Women 2024 Round #2
Lions FC vs. Eastern Suburbs
Luxury Paints Stadium, Richlands
