Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Garry McKenzie
Images: Chris Simpson

University of Queensland FC Women’s 2016 campaign is truly underway after fighting from a goal down to defeat Western Pride FC Women 2-1 at Briggs Road Sporting Complex.

Zozia Sen and Catrina Gardner both found the back of the net for the visitors either side of half-time to reel in a Pride side that took the early lead via Nikkita Hubbard.

The win is UQFC’s first of the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s 2016 campaign and lifts them from a share of last into a congested mid-table.

For Pride the result marks the second time in two games they have surrendered a 1-0 lead to be left empty-handed at full-time.

Key Moments

12’ – GOAL FOR PRIDE – Rahni Pritchard’s cross finds Nikkita Hubbard who directs a header at Danielle Harbot, however the UQFC goalkeeper can’t hold it and Hubbard tucks home at the second attempt

38’ – GOAL FOR UQFC – Catrina Gardiner weaves through the Pride defences to the left byline before crossing in for Zozia Sen to tap home

43’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Rahni Pritchard sends a free-kick from distance just over the top of the frame

51’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Nikkita Hubbard hits a curling effort forcing Danielle Harbot to make the save

55’ – CHANCE FOR UQFC – A clever flick from Portia Lee falls invititingly for a host of UQFC players. One gets a touch but Pride goalkeeper Kirsten Veeren makes a fingertip save allowing her defence clears

59’ – GOAL FOR UQFC – Catrina Gardiner bursts onto a throughball and, after shrugging off a retreating defender, places her shot past Kirsten Veeren

What They Said

“Coming back on (for the second half), I don’t think we had our mind set. We should’ve come out harder after half-time and we weren’t really that pumped up. When they scored the second goal we started to get back into it but it was too late by that time.“ – Kirsten Veeren, Western Pride FC Women

“To come back from an early goal and then pick up the three points is excellent. It’s really good for the motivation and self-belief going forward.“ – Rick Coghlan, University of Queensland FC Women coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s 2016 – Round 3
Saturday, March 12
Briggs Road Sporting Complex, Ipswich

University of Queensland FC Women 2 defeat Western Pride FC Women 1

Western Pride FC Women

Goals – Nikkita HUBBARD 12’
Yellow cards – Ella Jewell ROOSEN 53’
Red cards – none

Squad – 1. Kirsten VEEREN, 2. Emma BARNES (19. Cassandra THOR 46’), 3. Jasmin GRAHAM, 4. Nikkita HUBBARD, 5. Alicia COLE, 6. Annie LEYLAND (22. Kaylah SMITH 46’), 7. Nikkola DAWES, 10. Rahni PRITCHARD, 12. Callie MANWARING, 14. Mariecamilla FALANIKO AH KI, 21. Ella Jewell ROOSEN,

Unused – none

University of Queensland FC Women

Goals – Zozia SEN 38’, Catrina GARDNER 59’
Yellow cards - none
Red cards – none

Squad – 1. Danielle HARBOT, 2. Vicki BROWN (14. Zoe SMITH 73’), 4. Chloe TORY, 5. Georgia BUCHANAN, 6. Danielle WARD, 7. Chelsea VINCENT, 8. Hikaru ARAI (9. Vicky LINES 21’), 10. Zozia SEN, 12. Portia LEE (11. Stephanie WHITE 60’), 13. Grace VOGLER, 15. Catrina GARDNER

Unused – none

Match officials – Adrian GIELIS (referee), Robert THOMAS (assistant), Rachel KIRCHNER (assistant)