NPLW R9, NPLM R6
LIONS WOMEN PUNISH SOUTHS AT HOME WHILE OUR MEN FALL FROM THE TOP IN A PHYSICAL MATCH AGAINST GOLD COAST UNITED
Our Lions Women were ruthless in front of goal, scoring four goals in eleven minutes after the restart to shatter any hopes of a Souths recovery. Against a disciplined and compact Gold Coast United side, our Lions Men fell to a lone goal in an arduous battle at home.
LIONS VS SOUTHS UNITED: NPL WOMEN
A blistering start to the second half and a rampant performance down both wings saw our Lionesses overwhelm and overcome Souths United at home.
We took a slender lead into the interval after a fast start saw Rebecca Kirkup find that back of the net with a fierce strike into the top corner at the near post. A stunning response from Dominique Spampinato cancelled Kirkup’s opener before Tegan Riding forced an own-goal with a well-placed corner.
To say we were merciless after the restart would be an understatement. Four goals in eleven minutes saw us completely overwhelm our guests, with a Tegan Riding brace taking her tally to ten goals in the NPL this season.
Meaghan McElligott scored with a well-placed header, and Rebecca Kirkup curled home from the edge of the box in a comprehensive victory that saw our Lionesses extend their lead at the top of the NPL table.
LIONS VS GOLD COAST UNITED: NPL MEN
Against a well-drilled Gold Coast United side, our Lions were defied and denied in a heated and intense battle at the top of the NPL table.
A fast & demanding start to the match saw both sides limited in possession and chance-creation. A deflected strike from Ridenton marked our only significant effort in an opening thirty minutes that saw both sides defend with grit.
A misfortune deflection and a lapse of focus after several challenges on the edge of the box saw Kai Tipaldo sneak beyond our defence, pouncing on a loose ball and forcing home the game-opener.
Despite a commendable effort, our Lions were unable to break through United’s organised defence, spraying crosses and shots against a resilient back four and a reactionary goalkeeper. Luke Borean pulled off a series of spectacular diving saves to keep the result in reach, while Hassan Ramazani pulled off an incredibly sliding challenge to swipe possession from behind in a fatal 1v1 situation.
A desperate volley in stoppage time marked our final attempt to draw level with our Lions Men slipping out of first with their first NPL defeat of the season.
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