NPLW R10, NPLM R7
RAMAZANI REAPS GLORY AT THE DEATH AS OUR LIONS WOMEN STICK OUT A STALEMATE
Showcasing resilience against a resurgent Olympic outfit, our Lions men rallied in the second half, with Ramazani striking victorious gold in stoppage time. Tegan Riding scored a historic 200th NPL goal in a hard-fought draw on the road.
LIONS VS OLYMPIC: NPL MEN
Hassan Ramazani turned vanquisher in stoppage time, stroking home a stunning left-footed strike to complete a mighty second-half comeback against a determined rival.
A goalless first half saw Ryo Ono strike the woodwork after darting inside from the right before an explosive second half started with immediate intent. Within a minute of the restart, Olympic took the lead through Farr, and suddenly, the visitors looked vigorous.
Jackson Hart-Phillips forced a fine save as we looked for a response before Andy Pengelly rose to a well-guided Fletcher McDonald, nodding it home at the back post to restore parity.
Finn Beakhurst returned to the field for the first time in 401 days after a severe injury last March as our Lions looked to earn a crucial victory at home.
Entering stoppage time with minutes on the clock, Hassan Ramazani pulled off the finest moment in his Lions career so far, meeting a low pass at the edge of the box and hooking a marvellous effort into the top right corner to crown us victorious.
MITCHELTON VS LIONS: NPL WOMEN
Our Lions women were held short on the road against an organised and robust Mitchelton outfit that refused to let us leave with all three points.
Early saves from both keepers set the tempo for an end-to-end game that saw neither side willing to let the other relax. With several chances blocked, saved and spurned, our Lionesses eventually took the lead through Tegan Riding.
Patient build-up from the back saw Riding run into space, latching onto a pass and driving down the centre with composure before rounding the keeper with elegance and rolling home a historic 200th NPL goal.
The lead was short-lived, however, with Mitchelton responding gloriously via Yamamuro, who curled the ball into the top-left corner with class.
With constant attacking intent in the second half, our Lionesses created a number of chances, with Zara Kruger forcing a fine save before steering an audacious strike over the crossbar.
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