Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Rob Morris/Palm Beach SC

Palm Beach SC Women and Eastern Suburbs Women battled to a 2-2 draw in their opening round clash at Mallawa Complex on Saturday afternoon.

Early chances fell to Palm Beach before Easts opened accounts on 18 minutes with Karyn Longbottom delivering a composed finish to slot her shot into the bottom corner of the goal.

Sharks struck back five minutes later through Deeana Thomson, who benefitted from an early ball from midfield to get behind Easts’ backline before slotting home in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

The match opened up further in the second half as the hot conditions took their toll on the players.

Both sides failed to convert their chances before Sharks gained the lead with a quarter hour remaining as Lauren Brown delivered a sharp low finish for the hosts.

However, Tegan Riding replied shortly after with a clever chipped finish to salvage a point for Easts late in the contest.

Speaking post-match, Sharks coach Gary French said he was pleased with the performance of his players.

“I think both teams at times cancelled each other out, although I thought we created the better chances,” French explained.

Easts coach Garrath McPherson was also happy with his charges in their first competitive match of the season.

“I’m really happy to get a game against a good quality side and to put them under pressure,” McPherson concluded.

Listen to the full post-match interviews below.

Palm Beach SC  2 (Deeana THOMSON 23’, Lauren BROWN 76’)
Eastern Suburbs FC  2 (Karyn LONGBOTTOM 18’, Tegan RIDING 81’)