Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Albert Perez/Eastern Suburbs FC

Eastern Suburbs Women came from behind to reclaim top spot in a 2-1 win over UQFC Women at Heath Park on Wednesday night.

Victory in the catch-up fixture moves Easts back into pole position for the premiership following Palm Beach SC Women’s 2-0 loss away to Sunshine Coast Women on the weekend.

Defeat means UQFC are now in danger of slipping out of the top four despite opening the scoring inside 20 minutes through Georgia Chapman.

The visitors’ high press paid early dividends with the attacker pouncing on a defensive error to drive home a low shot from outside the area.

Easts managed to equalise against the run of play when Michaela Hatzirodos volleyed in Jenna McCormick’s free-kick, ensuring the match was at level at the break with some assistance from goalkeeper Tash Mavrick and the crossbar in keeping out UQFC.

Surviving those opportunities proved to be crucial for the hosts as Hatzirodos put them ahead within moments of the restart following a one-two within Harkana Dixon.

Dani Harbot was called into action on a couple of occasions soon after to prevent Tiffany Roberts and Dixon from extending Easts’ advantage.

Though Chapman continued to threaten, Easts saw out the match to notch their 11^th and perhaps most important win of the season.

Speaking after the match, Easts coach Garrath McPherson felt a readjustment to go more direct under pressure proved effective.

“It worked within the first 30 seconds of the second half and they (UQFC) sat back off again,” McPherson said.

UQFC coach Wayne Gibbon rued not forcing home a flurry of chances in the moments before the break.

“We didn’t go in at half-time 2-1 up. Within two minutes of the restart we were 2-1 down and probably that really swung it,” Gibbon said.

Listen to the full post-match interviews below.

Eastern Suburbs FC Women 2 (Michaela HATZIRODOS 30’, 47’)
UQFC Women 1 (Georgia CHAPMAN 18’)