KPS R5, NPLW R15
LIONS MEN TOP THEIR GROUP IN THE KAPPA PRO SERIES, WHILE LIONS WOMEN BRUSH ASIDE GOLD COAST UNITED IN A HARD-FOUGHT VICTORY AT HOME
A composed victory in Bulimba saw our Lions Men finish first after defeating the Southside Eagles 4-0 in their final group game. At home on Saturday evening, our Lionesses continued their winning run with a comeback win against United.
LIONS VS SOUTHSIDE EAGLES: KAPPA PRO SERIES
Two goals on either side of the break saw our Lions men secure the top spot on a windy night in Bulimba.
Donning the full orange on a windy trip to Bulimba, our heavily-rotated Lions Men wasted no time asserting themselves in the match. With almost a dozen corners in the opening ten minutes, Jesse Rigby rose from the set-piece, planting a well-struck header into the bottom left corner with dominance.
Ten minutes before the break, on a well-earned start, Novak Kljajic doubled our lead with an elegant chip from close range. We maintained the same rhythm after the restart, Novak rising at the back post and arrowing a speeding header into the top right corner with power.
Ryo Ono stepped up to the penalty spot and slotted home the final blow with composure before our Lions saw out the game with calm defending and several more close chances.
The win sees us finish at the top of Pool D, securing progression to the next round.
LIONS VS GOLD COAST WOMEN: NPL WOMEN
Despite going behind early, our Lions Women focused and fought back to secure a tight 3-1 victory at home.
While we usually start on the front foot, it was Gold Coast United who started fast at Luxury Paints Stadium, pinning us back in our own half across the opening ten minutes with high pressure and constant attacking movement.
Within minutes of Tegan Riding striking the post and forcing a scrambled goal-line clearance, the visitors hit on the break through Khloe Dale, who swung an arcing ball over Chapple’s head from a tight angle.
A blistering counterattack allowed Amy Gunston to slow home the equaliser after an excellent team move, with our Lions heading into the break level against a determined GC side.
We restarted the second half with belief, opening the scoring through Meghan McElligott, who picked the bottom left corner after a sly run between the two central defenders. Fine saves, clean defending and dangerous chances made for a tense rest of the match before Kalli Cowles sealed victory with a cold penalty to make it three.
This victory sees us maintain our five-point gap at the top of the table.
Follow our Instagram & Facebook pages to see the full post-match interview from Rob Askew & Darren Sime.
