Weekend Recap #27: Lionesses lift Premiership trophy while men settle for a point

NPLM R21, NPLW R26

Our Lions Women saw out a comfortable 2-0 victory before lifting a third consecutive Premiership. Our Men were pinned to a frustrating draw on the road.

 

LIONS VS QAS: NPL WOMEN

Our Lions Women lifted the Premiership trophy after a composed victory over QAS.

With the title already secured, our Lionesses returned to Luxury Paints Stadium to face off against QAS. The same side we secured our 2022 Premiership against following a late Tegan Riding equaliser.

Riding had the bulk of our chances in the first half, firing a sharp strike wide of the top-hand corner. Tia Appoo came close to breaking the deadlock with our best chance of the half, aiming a downward header painfully wide at the back post following a pin-point cross from the right wing.

Elli Chapple made several crucial saves, while Meghan McElligott hooked a cross-turned-shot into the far side netting before the half-time whistle blew.

We stepped up the tempo after the restart, with Elli Chapple rushing off her line to make a crucial 1v1 block before Tegan Riding went down the other end and broke the game open. Recovering possession in the final third, Riding held her run before picking the bottom left corner with typical precision.

Kalli Cowles stuck home the match-winner at the back post right on the hour mark, with our Lionesses continuing to control the game and seeing out a comfortable victory. Gunston almost added a third nail after jinxing through the QAS defence with skill.

Our focus turns to the Kappa Pro Series Grand Final and the NPL Finals Series as we look to continue our success.

Goalscorers:

53’ | Tegan Riding

HT: LIO 0-0 QAS

FT: LIO 2-0 QAS

 

LIONS VS EASTERN SUBURBS: NPL MEN

Points dropped away to a relegated Eastern Suburbs side means our top four hopes will be decided on the final matchday.

Ivan Ozzi started on the front foot, bursting down the left flank and causing immediate danger through his strength and speed. Our early dominance was rewarded, with Andy Pengelly nodding home at the back post after Matt Ridenton’s powerful corner arced towards the top-right corner.

Ivan Ozzi continued to press the Eastern Suburbs defence, chasing down loose balls and forcing errors at the back. We controlled the tempo throughout the first half, with Ridenton and Carlos both coming close with shots from the edge of the box.

Matt Ridenton and Andy Pengelly linked up once again, with Andy’s effort sailing narrowly wide of the back post. Luke Borean made a firm wrist save to preserve our narrow margin before the hosts slipped in behind and immediately drew level.

We created several chances in the final stages but eventually settled for a draw.

Our top-four hopes rest completely in our hands as we head into the final game of the season needing a victory over Moreton Bay United.

Goalscorers:

12’ | Andy Pengelly

HT: LIO 1-0 EAS

FT: LIO 1-1 EAS

 

Follow our Instagram & Facebook pages to see the full post-match interview from Rob Askew & Darren Sime.

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