NPLM R16, NPLW R20
Hassan Ramazani scored another screamer as our Lions Men were pinned 2-2 in Redcliffe. The following day, our Lionesses dispatched the Wanderers 2-0 in Buderim.
LIONS VS PENINSULA POWER: NPL MEN
Our Lions were held to a tense draw in Redcliffe after Andy Pengelly scored a late equaliser to recover a point.
Despite a strong start and several early attacking opportunities, our Lions men were condemned to go behind after the hosts struck the bottom corner with composure.
We responded sensationally, with Hassan Ramazani striking gold [again]. After intercepting the ball in the centre of the park, Ramazani set the ball into space before leathering a furious strike into the top right corner from thirty yards. As a result, we entered the break level.
Peninsula Power were shown a straight red card immediately after the restart for a crunching tackle on Ramazani, and Ivan Ozzi sent a header narrowly north as we looked to immediately capitalise on our numerical advantage.
After creating several chances to forge ahead, our Lions were once again punished, with Power forcing themselves in front as full-time drew closer. Once again, our Lions stepped up with a strong response.
Against his former club, Andy Pengelly stepped up with less than ten minutes on the clock, striking a composed penalty into the roof of the net with strength. Despite an extensive effort in the final moments, we were confined to a draw on the road.
Goalscorers:
33’ | Hassan Ramazani
84’ | Andy Pengelly
HT: LIO 1-1 PEN
FT: LIO 2-2 PEN
LIONS VS SUNSHINE COAST WANDERERS: NPL WOMEN
A strong first half saw our Lions Women out-gun the Wanderers on a chilly night in Buderim.
We started on the front foot, with Tegan Riding winning a corner after running into space and forcing a fine save. Our Lionesses built on that momentum, with Meghan McElligott sweeping us ahead, stroking home the ball after an expansive team move that started down the left flank.
Elli Chapple was called upon to preserve our lead, saving a powerful long-range strike with composure. At the other end of the pitch, our forwards forced further danger, forcing several saves and winning several more corners.
A clever set-piece exchange from Riding saw an accurate shot blocked before Meghan McElligott was fouled in the box, winning us a penalty. Kalli Cowles stepped up with mettle, smashing her strike into the top left corner.
We continued to dominate after the break in a physical game laden with fouls. Jamilla Rankin came close to scoring a screamer, firing a powerful volley narrowly wide of the top left corner. Chapple made a few late saves to preserve our cleansheet as our Lionesses continued their fine form.
Goalscorers:
13’ | Meghan McElligott
45’ | Kalli Cowles
HT: LIO 2-0 SCW
FT: LIO 2-0 SCW
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