Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Peninsula Power

Peninsula Power Women piled on four second half goals to swarm The Gap Women 4-2 at AJ Kelly Park on Sunday.

Gators led first before a stunning second half turnaround from Power compounded the visitiors' woes, who also lost important striker Suzy Roeger to injury.

Despite being without Irish international Elaine Murray and suspended midfielder Ruth Blackburn, Rob Askew’s side had a perfect opportunity to open the scoring midway through the first half when Megan Price won a penalty.

However, inexperienced Power ‘keeper Ally Davis proved up to the task in just her second match with a full stretch save to keep the home side level.

Gators weren’t to be denied an opener before the break though as Bethany Ashton netted her seventh in as many matches to make it 1-0 in the 44th minute.

That lead failed to last a minute with Alan Waller’s half time team talk clearly paying off, his side equalising from the kick off through Brieanna Watt.

Power then took complete control of the contest just after the hour as a quickfire brace from 21-year-old striker Brittany Whitfield suddenly made it 3-1.

Gators managed to stem the onslaught somewhat but couldn’t prevent Melissa Limov from wrapping up three points inside the final 10 minutes with a ninth goal in only five games.

The away side did grab a consolation just prior to full time when Gabe Marzano profited from Holly Hitchener’s assist, but the 4-2 defeat allowed Power to move level on points after seven games.

Speaking after the match, Power coach Alan Waller felt improved attacking cohesion was behind the turnaround.

“As much as we worked defensively, when we got the ball we started to put some good plays together and I think those plays paid off in the second half with goals,” Waller said.

Gators coach Rob Askew felt personnel concerns were taking their toll on the squad’s belief.

“I think we’re having a bit of a crisis of confidence. We’ve lost quite a few players with injuries and things are not going our way,” Askew said.

Listen to the full post match interviews below.

Peninsula Power FC Women 4 (Brieanna WATT 46’ Brittany WHITFIELD 63’, 66’ Melissa LIMOV 83’)
The Gap FC Women 2 (Bethany ASHTON 45’ Gabe MARZANO 90’)