NPLW Round #20: Hecher Brace Bests Easts

A DIVINE MARIEL HECHER BRACE MADE THE DIFFERENCE AS OUR LIONS WOMEN OUTPLAYED EASTERN SUBURBS AT HEATH PARK

Our Lions Women bounced back with a stunning 2-0 victory, showing their mettle in a unified performance on the road.

We could not have started better. Two minutes into the clash at Heath Park, Mariel Hecher planted the ball into the centre of the net to open the scoring. A fine first-time strike after an excellent run and cutback from Tonia-Marie Rantucci.

Meaghan McElligott came painfully close to doubling our lead, latching onto a dipping cross at the back post but steering her volley wide of the right post. We continued to apply pressure, and our forwards did a remarkable job recovering possession.

In our final chance of the first half, Tui Dugan wrestled possession and slipped Meaghan McElligott into space, but after rounding the keeper swiftly, her shot was cleared off the line. We entered the break with a 1-0 lead.

The second half started with the same energy, and once again, Mariel Hecher scored an early goal. Mariel made a brilliant run off the left shoulder, ducking to clip an arcing header over the keeper at the near post. A fine move after a short corner routine.

Tonia-Marie Rantucci curled a glorious first-time effort into the crossbar at the top-right corner before firing a shot north ten minutes later after a brilliant run and pass from Tui Dugan.

Emily Clark made a firm save in the final ten minutes as our Lions Women rallied together to secure a well-earned victory on the road against a difficult opponent.

The result not only stops Eastern Suburbs from rising to the top of the NPL Women’s table but avenges our 3-0 defeat to Easts earlier in the season. Given the nature of our defeat last weekend against Brisbane City, this win embodies our spirit and courage as we bounce back with a statement victory on the road.

Our attention now turns to Gold Coast United.