NPLW Round #2: Premiers Defeat Champions at Luxury Paints Stadium

FOUR STUNNING GOALS AND A RESILIENT PERFORMANCE SAW OUR HEAVILY ROTATED LIONESSES CLAIM A CRUCIAL VICTORY AT HOME

Victory against last year’s Champions saw our Lions Women earn their first win of the 2024 campaign after a hard-fought display in Richlands.

We started with immediate intent, thanks to a masterful strike from Meaghan McElligott. Setting up to volley on her right boot, she flicked the ball elegantly over her head before sending a composed left-footed volley into the right side, netting with power.

Despite a rewarding early goal, our defence had their work cut out for them as both sides exchanged shots in a physically demanding, end-to-end clash. Emily Clark made a desperate scrambling save to smother an attack before Sam DeBien sent an audacious strike wide on the other end of the pitch.

Right before the hour mark, Eastern Suburbs drew level after a lapse of focus in our defence. Our frustration didn’t last long. Running onto a long ball with her usual explosive pace, Amy Gunston burst inside from the left flank, out-pacing the Easts defenders before picking the bottom right corner with composure.

Minutes later, Sam DeBien gave us relief with a stunning goal to double our advantage. Amy Gunston recovered possession, flicking the ball to Sam, who took a swift touch outside before unleashing a fierce strike into the top right corner. We went into the break with a two-goal advantage.

The physicality resumed after the break, with last year’s Champions applying the pressure early. Another defensive mishap before the hour mark reduced our lead to one, and the following thirty minutes were a chaotic combination of desperate clearances, last-ditch challenges, countless corners, and numerous notable saves from Emily Clark.

Despite the constant pressure from Easts, our Lions Women remained resilient and spirited, weathering each wave with conviction before a crucial goal ended the barrage of attacks. Fresh off the bench, Alyssa Cox showed her energy by outrunning two defenders down the right flank, jinxing inside before planting the ball into the bottom right corner at the near post. A euphoric moment in the final three minutes that broke the pressure and provided relief.

We stayed steady until the final whistle sounded, earning us our first NPL victory in 2024. It also showed the quality our squad is capable of, given so many of our Starting XI and subs only had limited NPL experience before this match.