NPLW Round #15: Inseparable In A High-Energy Clash

OUR LIONS WOMEN SHARE THE POINTS AFTER AN EVENLY MATCHED SECOND HALF AT LUXURY PAINTS STADIUM

Two quick-fire goals saw us overturn a deficit before a late equaliser condemned us to a deserved 2-2 draw.

We started under pressure against a strong Souths United side, relying on both Tui Dugan and Chelsea Fairbairn to make crucial clearances as the visitors sent two sharp cutbacks across the face of our box.

The chances were limited, with both our Lions Women and Souths United displaying resolute and firm defending. Meaghan McElligott was forced to make a back-post goal-line clearance as Souths continued to apply pressure before Tonia-Marie Rantucci created our best chance of the game. A sweeping team move and an arcing cross found TM at the back post, but her powerful strike rose high.

Bella Shuttleworth rushed off her line, extending herself to make a robust 1v1 save at her near post. Then, our best chance came and vanished within seconds.

A divine threaded pass from Tonia-Marie Rantucci sliced through three defenders before Tui Dugan darted into space, rounded the keeper elegantly, and painfully planted her left-footed strike wide at the back post.

Moments later, Tui was pivotal down the other end, showing relentless determination to chase down a 1v1 counterattack, sliding in cleanly from behind to prevent the shot.

We entered the break in a goalless stalemate.

The second half started much the same, with Bella Shuttleworth rushing off her line to make a massive 1v1 block. Ten minutes later, however, the visitors took the lead. A stunning strike ricocheted in off the left-hand post to breach our goal.

Just after the hour mark, Meaghan McElligott received the ball in the centre of the box, controlling the ball with patience before dispatching a calm shot under the keeper to level the scoring.

Sixty seconds later, Mackenzie Nielsen turned the game around with a beautiful right-footed finesse into the top right corner. Carrying the ball down the field with directness and composure, Mackenzie played the ball to Amy Gunston, who played the ball to Mariel Hecher, who rolled the ball into space for Nielsen to stroke home with excellence.

We looked set to see out a hard-fought 2-1 victory, but a lapse in focus saw Souths United nick in behind with pace. A tangle of defenders and an exposed keeper allowed the visitors to slot home the equaliser into an empty net.