Thunder Women Make It Two In Three
Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Paul Smith/SWQ Thunder
Kiama Gray’s brace helped SWQ Thunder Women to their second victory of the season with a 3-0 win over Moreton Bay United Women at USQ Toara Park on Sunday.
Two first half goals handed Thunder a cushion at the break before any hopes for a Jets comeback were ended when they were reduced to 10 on the hour.
The hosts have suffered several heavy defeats this season but gave early life to their chances of a second win in three matches when Elle Mollenhauer opened the scoring in the 11th minute.
Having counted on Talitha Doro and Tifanny Dibley to supply half their goals heading into the match, Thunder soon had a second new face on the scoresheet as Gray notched her first of the season nine minutes before the break.
Neither side was able to entirely gain the upper hand after the restart, although Thunder were enjoying more attacking territory than the visitors.
Craig Burgess’ side were rewarded for their persistence in the 58th minute when Gray netted a second from around the edge of the area to make it 3-0.
Jets’ chances of a revival in the final 30 minutes were effectively ended in unusual circumstances just two minutes later.
Defender Glyde, already on a yellow, had been withdrawn at half time and replaced by 16-year-old midfielder Rylee Lemke, but without the permission of the referee.
Both players were subsequently shown a yellow card – Glyde’s second – and were ineligible from taking any further part in the match.
The visitors prevented Thunder from adding to their tally after the incident but were ultimately consigned to a sixth straight defeat.
Speaking after the match, Thunder captain Madison Franke was pleased with her team’s sharpness following a fortnight without a competitive fixture.
“(After) a two-week break to come out and do that is pretty good,” Franke said.
Listen to the full post-match interview below.
South West Queensland Thunder FC 3 (Elle MOLLENHAUER 11’ Kiama GRAY 36’, 58’)
Moreton Bay United FC 0
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