NPLW Round #7: We demonstrate our ability at home

LIONS WOMEN DISMANTLE OLYMPIC TO SECURE FIRST CLEANSHEET OF THE SEASON WITH A DOMINANT WIN

Two goals from Amy Gunston and a comprehensive team display saw us bounce back from last weekend’s defeat with a momentum-building win at Luxury Paints Stadium.

In an electric game under the Friday night lights at Luxury Paints Stadium, our Lions Women settled into the game comfortably, controlling the possession in the first fifteen minutes with limited chances to either side.

From there, we shot straight into sixth gear, advancing on the Olympic goal with slick, flourishing, first-time moves that saw our Lions Women slice through the Olympic defence. After several close chances, a handball gave us the opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot. Emileigh Bowman stood over the ball, but her effort was struck narrowly wide.

Without losing focus, our Lions continued to advance until Amy Gunston broke the deadlock in the twentieth minute. She won the ball in the air before driving a low, sharp strike under the keeper from the centre of the box.

A flurry of shots from Tui Dugan and Kaho Nakadate ensured we didn’t relinquish the pressure before Amy Gunston doubled our lead with a lethal strike across goal in the thirtieth minute. She almost had her hattrick minutes late, sprinting into the box and sending a thunderous header wide north at the near post. A slaloming solo run from Tegan Riding ended with her striking the right post, and the first half ended with a two-goal advantage.

We kept our focus after the restart, controlling the game and preventing Olympic from creating anything meaningful in our half. Tegan Riding came close again, before Sam DeBien flicked a neat header slightly high at the near post.

With ten minutes remaining, Meaghan McElligott secured a rejuvenating victory, rising high at the back post and directing a powerful header into the top left corner. Tegan Riding, still in search of her goal, showcased her quality once again to make it four. Standing over a dead ball on the edge of the box, Riding unleashed a volatile strike directly down the centre and into the back of the net.

After a difficult start to the 2024 campaign, our Lions Women showcased their heart, pride, and passion to bounce back and secure a meaningful three points.