NPLW Round #26: Wanderers take the win

LIONS WOMEN SUFFERED DEFEAT IN THEIR FINAL GAME AT LUXURY PAINTS STADIUM

A first-half error condemned our Lions Women to a 1-0 defeat against a defensively focused Sunshine Coast Wanderers side.

A low-tempo and measured introduction to the game saw our Lions Women pinned at 0-0 on the half-hour mark, having mustered zero attempts on goal. Our opponents, the Sunshine Coast Wanderers, were playing with intent as they looked to snatch a crucial win that would see them avoid relegation.

Libby Cybulski made an important challenge to prevent a dangerous chance, but a defensive error five minutes from the interval saw Chelsea Scarff handed an open goal to break the deadlock.

A quick response saw us fire a shot over the crossbar before two chances fell temptingly on the goal line but were desperately cleared before we could manage the decisive touch.

We entered the break behind by one goal.

We started the second half with more intention. Meaghan McElligott stung the keeper’s palms with a sharp snapshot as we looked to break down a resolute and uniform defence.

Ten minutes into the second half, Mariel Hecher was substituted to a rousing standing ovation in her final game at Luxury Paints Stadium. After 108 games in Lions orange, Mariel will complete one final season in the A-League with Brisbane Roar before finally retiring after a brilliant career in Australia.

Alyssa Cox cut inside and curled a sinking effort wide of the far post, while Libby Cybulski made a fantastic intervention to prevent a game-ending shot.

Despite rallying in the final stages, our Lions Women were ultimately sentenced to a 1-0 defeat after a mammoth defensive effort from the visitors. We send our best wishes to Sunshine Coast Wanderers, who play Mitchelton next week in a must-win clash to avoid relegation.