NPLW Round #14: Strong Result on the Road

LIONS WOMEN CONTINUE STRONG FORM WITH A MEASURED VICTORY ON THE ROAD IN REDCLIFFE

A well-won 2-0 victory via a first-half brace from Tonia-Marie Rantucci sees our Lions Women continue to advance in the title race.

We started strong on the road in Kippa-Ring, creating several early opportunities that were blocked inside the opening ten minutes. We saw three consecutive long-range efforts blocked as we attempted to strike from range, and Bella Shuttleworth was called upon to make an early 1v1 save.

Mariel Hecher looked certain to score when she slid in at the back post and steered a shot towards the bottom left corner. The keeper managed to make a scrambling save just before the ball could cross the line, and the score remained level.

Meaghan McElligott rounded the keeper brilliantly but was unlucky in clipping the crossbar as she attempted to split two defenders with a shot from the byline. It was Tonia-Marie Rantucci who broke the deadlock, controlling the ball on the edge of the box before directing a beautiful scooped half-volley into the top right corner from distance.

Another important 1v1 save from Bella Shuttleworth ensured our lead remained intact before Amy Gunston missed an opportunity to double our lead, skying her effort after bursting towards goal down the right flank.

On the brink of half-time, Tonia-Marie Rantucci netted her second goal, slicing the ball inside with an elegant touch on the byline before placing her shot under the keeper. An attempt to clear her effort off the goal-line saw the ball drilled into the roof of the net.

We managed the second half with composure, creating several fine efforts from range and defending effectively. Tiarna Karambasis forced a save from 30 yards before Meaghan McElligott dragged a sharp shot wide across goal in the closing stages.

The hosts clipped the crossbar in the final moments before a 93rd minute strike from Meaghan McElligott secured all three points in style. An important victory as we maintain our six point gap from the top of the NPL table.