NPLW Round #11: Outclassed by Easts

OUR LIONS WOMEN WERE OUTMATCHED ON THE ROAD, CONCEDING THREE GOALS IN THIRTY MINUTES AT PERRY PARK

Three goals from corner kicks saw our Lions Women’s fine run of form halted in a tense clash against last year’s Champions.

Kicking off in an unusual combination of white & blue, our Lions Women found themselves behind early when a near post header from an early corner beat Bella Shuttleworth on her debut.

Both Bella Shuttleworth and Ellen Gett made their first appearances for our Lions Women, having signed after their respective A-Leagues campaigns came to an end.

The hosts doubled their lead in the first quarter, with their goal once again emanating from a corner. A sharp finish into the bottom left corner following a set-piece that bounced unfavourably through our box.

A third corner kick from the left side of goal condemned us. A three-goal margin within 25 minutes left our Lions Women with a mountain to climb at Perry Park.

Bella Shuttleworth made a divine diving save to push a first-time strike from close range into the crossbar and away from her goal. It was a crucial block on the brink of half-time to keep us in the game.

We came close to pulling a goal back early in the second half, but a goal-line clearance and an unsuccessful follow-up saw the chance peter out.

Another vital save at the near post from Bella Shuttleworth prevented the hosts from extending the lead. Eastern Suburbs clipped the crossbar minutes later… from yet another corner.

We pushed the hosts for the final half hour, trying to find a breakthrough as we looked for a lifeline in the game. Amy Gunson forced a diving save, driving into space before firing a shot across goal.

Despite our best efforts, Eastern Suburbs left the field with the three points, having outplayed our Lions Women in a competitive clash at Perry Park.