NPLW R4: A Point Apiece

OUR LIONS WOMEN ARE HELD TO A TENSE 1-1 DRAW IN A PHYSICAL AND INTENSE GAME AT LUXURY PAINTS STADIUM

Once again at home, Gold Coast United kicked off an important clash, looking for their first win of the season while we looked to build on last weekend’s strong victory over the Knights.

Chloe Dale was forced to make an early goal-line clearance after a dangerous cross beat Elli Chapple. A sign of what was to come as the visitors looked to create chances through crosses. It was a physical game, and United didn’t hold back in the process of nullifying our defence.

Shianne Rosselli fired a powerful half-volley over the crossbar, but it was United who created the stronger chances across the opening thirty minutes. Elli Chapple was called on several times, making a reactive double-save before stretching to the bottom right corner to prevent a powerful volley from breaking the deadlock.

We came close to snatching an unexpected lead as Rachel Dudley’s low cross was redirected millimetres shy of the bottom left corner, and Kiersten Yuhas forced a firm strike into the keeper’s chest at the back post.

The first half was certain to end level until Scarlett Premerl had her say. Reacting first after Mackenzie Nielsen’s forty-yard freekick hit the crossbar, Scarlett steered the ball into the centre of the net from close range to send us into the break with a 1-0 lead!

45+2′ | 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐀𝐀𝐀𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐋𝐋𝐋!!!

Scarlett Premerl breaks the deadlock 𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 🔥

A reactive close-range finish after Mackenzie Nielsen’s long-range freekick rebounded off the crossbar!!!

𝐋𝐈𝐎 1 – 0 𝐆𝐂𝐔#HeartPridePassion | #NPLWQLD

— Lions F.C. (@lionsfc1) March 1, 2025

We took a firmer grip over the game as the second half resumed. Gold Coast United made less of an impact in our half, as we elevated the pressure in the final third. Both Rachel Dudley and Scarlett Premerl saw low strikes saved from the edge of the box as we sought a second goal.

Our control over the game was questioned in the 70th minute, with Danica Urlich-Beech burying a fearless freekick into the top right corner from a tight angle. The following minutes were frantic as we looked for an immediate reply.

Tara O’Keeffe saw a firm shot deflected into the keeper’s path as we fought for a breakthrough. Mackenzie Nielsen was stretchered off in the final ten minutes with an injury. We hope it’s nothing serious, and wish her a speedy recovery.

Scarlett Premerl guided a first-time shot wide and Shianna Singh saw her low effort saved as we pushed desperately for a late breakthrough.

Despite a passionate late effort to find the winning goal, we’re forced to settle for a rigid point.