GOLD COAST KNIGHTS SEIZE VICTORY IN AN INTENSE SECOND HALF AT LUXURY PAINTS STADIUM
Gold Coast Knights got the ball rolling in a mammoth clash for our Lions Women at Luxury Paints Stadium. A win would see us return to first place with a game in hand, while fending off the threat of a Gold Coast Knights side looking to close the gap from behind.
It was a measured and careful first half, with neither side taking too heavy a risk in possession. Resolute defending from both sides meant that no clear chances emerged in the first forty-five.
Elli Chapple made two crucial saves as the visitors looked to force chances towards the end of the half. Chloe Dale made an important block at the near post, and our best chance of the half materialised when Tara O’Keeffe broke free down the left channel and slipped Scarlett Premerl off the shoulder. Her shot was quickly stifled on the edge of the box, and we ended the half locked in a goalless stalemate.
We increased our level after the interval, controlling possession deeper in the Knight’s half as we looked for a breakthrough.
Rachel Dudley’s last-gasp glancing header prevented a dangerous back-post shot from the visitors, and another stunning save from Elli Chapple clawed a powerful close-range header away from the bottom right corner.
Kiersten Yuhas tested the keeper with a stinging shot from a tight angle, and an outstanding challenge from Ruby Suitor prevented a sharp shot across goal from the Knights.
Five minutes after the hour mark, Bronte Rose broke our resistance with a glorious curling effort into the top right corner.
We fought for an equaliser, but a second goal twelve minutes from time gave us a mountain to climb without time on our side.
Despite reacting well after the second goal and creating a few key shots, we couldn’t recover a goal and were condemned to a difficult defeat at home.
MATCH DETAILS
NPL Women: Round 12
Lions FC 0 – 2 Gold Coast Knights
Luxury Paints Stadium
