NPLM R10, NPLW R13
A RAINY MOTHERS DAY DOUBLE HEADER RESULTS IN VICTORY AND BALANCE AFTER AN ENGAGING STANDOFF BETWEEN OUR LIONS & THE TIGERS
A first-half sweep from our Lionesses saw them extend their lead atop the NPLW table, while a stoppage-time set-back saw our men pinned to a 4–4 draw.
LIONS VS EASTERN SUBURBS: NPL WOMEN
With defensive discipline and decisive finishing, our Lionesses prevailed in a thrilling top-of-the-table clash at home.
We wasted no time dispelling the ghosts of our earlier season defeat, reminding Eastern Suburbs who we are with an early goal inside five minutes of play. Rebecca Kirkup struck first, heading home sharply at the near post.
Under a sheet of rain, Tia Appoo continued her fine form and skewed a volley into the bottom left corner before the fifteenth minute – her goal came just two minutes after coming off the bench in place of an injured Amy Gunston.
We showed mettle in defence to preserve our cleansheet; Kirkup volleyed a certain goal off the line, and Maddison Teakle cleared a cutback after Ellie Chapple was left stranded by a good run. Tegan Riding forced save after save to keep the Tigers on their toes as we saw out a crucial 2-0 victory at home.
LIONS VS EASTERN SUBURBS: NPL MEN
A rollercoaster game of highs, lows, brilliance and errors resigned us to a 4-4 draw in a classic game of football that ultimately slipped through our fingers.
An explosive start from Eastern Suburbs had us under pressure before we broke the momentum and took the lead through a Nathan Shepherd-forced own-goal.
With a platform to build on, we were immediately forced back under pressure with a defensive error and confused communication allowing the Tigers to strike level with an inviting open goal. The lead would be regained on the edge of halftime with Andy Pengelly slotting home from close range after a fine offensive move.
Matt Ridenton provided relief on the stroke of half-time, guiding a right-footed free-kick into the top-right corner from the left side of the box.
Despite a promising end to the half, the Tigers came out with force again in a back-and-forth match that had no clear direction. Quickly after the break, they pulled a goal back before equalising through a stunning outside-boot strike from twenty yards out.
Andy Pengelly paid no concern, immediately restoring our advantage with a deft dink into the bottom left corner. The final twenty minutes were end-to-end warfare, with neither side accepting the current scoreline as the final.
With three minutes of stoppage time played Eastern Suburbs caused devastation at the death, snatching a decisive fourth goal to ensure our Lions didn’t leave the pitch unscathed.
A disappointing result given what was at stake, but an incredible game of football nonetheless.
Follow our Instagram & Facebook pages to see the full post-match interview from Rob Askew & Darren Sime.
