NPLW Round #22: Seven of the finest

AN OUTSTANDING SECOND HALF SAW OUR LIONS RUN RAMPANT ON THE ROAD

Our Lions Women brought their brilliant best in a captivating and comprehensive 7-1 victory against Mitchelton

It was far from an easy start to the game, with Mitchelton applying early pressure. We were frustrated in the final third as the hosts continued to intercept passes, make challenges, and recover possession before we could create any meaningful opportunities.

We required something brilliant to finally break the resistance. Kaho Nakadate swung a powerful looping cross towards the back post from deep in midfield, which Tonia-Marie Rantucci met to head over the line with courage.

Meaghan McElligott doubled our advantage on the half-hour mark, making a quick run off the left shoulder before firing a defence-splitting Tara O’Keeffe ball across the keeper and into the bottom right corner.

We took a 2-0 lead into the break, but Mitchelton made an immediate statement after the restart. Straight from kick-off, the hosts surged forward, scoring a stunning long-range goal that dipped over Emily Clark and sunk inside the back post.

The game looked locked, but Meaghan McElligott once again gave us a cushion. After her initial effort rattled the crossbar, Meg steered the rebound into the bottom right corner with a powerful volley. A brilliant self-assist.

Mitchelton remained composed, continuing to put pressure on us until the 80th minute arrived, and the dam finally broke. Alyssa Cox rushed in at the back post, re-directing a sweeping corner into the bottom left corner via her thigh.

Two minutes later, Macey Edward capped off a brilliant performance with our fifth goal of the night. Skirting diagonally across the Mitchelton defence, Macey guided a measured effort into the bottom right corner from the edge of the box.

Minutes before full-time, Macey scored again. This goal was a work of art. Taking a deft touch to set herself, Macey guided a beautiful shot into the very top right corner with grace from a thirty-yard distance.

In the final action of the game, Mackenzie Nielsen scored a trademark banger, this time whacking a powerful freekick into the top of the next to make it seven.

A brilliant, captivating, and unified performance as our Lions Women leave Everton Park with their greatest win of this NPL campaign. Five games remain, and we’re not finished yet.