PENINSULA POWER FIGHT FROM BEHIND TO DEFEAT OUR LIONS WOMEN AT LUXURY PAINTS STADIUM
Mackenzie Nielsen’s outstanding freekick is cancelled out as Peninsula Power fight back in a 2-1 victory.
Early chances set the expectations, with Alyssa Cox’s promising effort cleared off the line within two minutes. It proved to be a balanced affair, with both sides taking their chances on the counter while settling in solidly to defend when necessary.
The chances were limited and lacked sharpness as both our Lions Women and Peninsula Power snatched at any chance they could muster. Samantha DeBein did excellently to recover possession in midfield, turning her marker before driving forward with directness. Her pass to Alyssa Cox was firm, but Alyssa did well in managing a shot despite being man-marked closely and shuffled away from the goal.
Alyssa created a second opportunity, but her cutback was cleared before it could meet its target. We remained resolute in defence, with Mackenzie Nielsen making an affirmative block to prevent a dangerous shot across goal. Kaho Nakadate made an important clearance off her line late in the first half.
The best chance of the half went to Tonia-Marie Rantucci, who cut inside across her defender before bursting into the outer channel, beating a second defender before rifling a shot into the side netting. We settled for 0-0 at the break.
We looked stronger after the restart and quickly capitalised on our early opportunities. Mackenzie Nielsen once again reminded us why ‘centrebacks who can shoot’ are our favourite genre of player, stepping up with a remarkable freekick from 30 yards. With a short run-up, Mackenzie planted a powerful dipping strike over the keeper to break the deadlock. Her second freekick in two weeks.
Our joy was shortlived as Peninsula Power struck back, levelling minutes later with a firm finish across goal. Within ten minutes, they had taken the lead, forcing the ball over the line after an initial save and a ricochet off the woodwork.
Despite a strong effort to recover, Peninsula Power held on to secure a 2-1 victory at Luxury Paints Stadium.
We’ll dust off and go again next week.
MATCH DETAILS
NPL Women 2024 Round #23
Lions FC 1 – 2 Peninsula Power
Luxury Paints Stadium, Richlands
NEXT MATCH
NPL Women 2024 Round #24
Lions FC vs. Souths United
Wakerley Park, Runcorn