Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Cara Confessore
Image: Chris Simpson

Souths United Women have ended Olympic FC’s undefeated start to the season with a 3-1 win at Wakerley Park.

Despite creating plenty of chances in the first half, the hosts were forced to rely on three second half goals to claim the spoils – Meaghan McElligott, Kirsten McGIlvray and Deeanna Thompson sharing the honours.

Olympic set-up an interesting close to the contest via a second half goal to Natalie Tathem, however it proved a mere consolation as their three-match unbeaten run to the campaign came to a close.

The win is moves Souths into third place in the league standings, edging ahead of Olympic on goal difference.

Key Moments

11’ – CHANCE FOR SOUTHS – Deeanna Thompson delivers a low cross to Meaghan McElligott who looks to tuck it into the bottom corner but sends the shot just wide

15’ – CHANCE FOR SOUTHS – Meaghan McElligott threatens with a free-kick but is foiled by Olympic goalkeeper Katlyn Ronan before Ronan makes another save to deny Ayesha Norrie who sought to turn in the deflection

25’ – CHANCE FOR OLYMPIC – Natalie Tathem picks her spot from near on 30 yards with a stunning strike that hits the crossbar before going out for a goal kick

34’ – CHANCE FOR SOUTHS – Terri-Amber Carlson looks to curl the ball into the top corner but is denied by a superb save from Kaytlyn Ronan

45’ – CHANCE FOR SOUTHS – Meaghan McElligott shows deft control to skirt two Olympic defenders before pulling the trigger from the edge of the area but Kaytlyn Ronan has it covered and holds the shot

48’ – GOAL FOR SOUTHS – Deeanna Thompson crosses towards the back post where Meaghan McElligott heads home at pace to open accounts

57’ – CHANCE FOR OLYMPIC – Eloise Fryer gets the better of her marker to get a clear sight on goal but is denied by a diving save from Souths goalkeeper Bianca Warrener

78’ – GOAL FOR SOUTHS – Kirsten McGilvray is played through by Ayesha Norrie and slots a solid finish into the bottom corner to double the advantage

79’ – GOAL FOR OLYMPIC – Natalie Tathem delivers an immediate reply by drilling the ball home from the edge of the area to half the deficit

87’ – CHANCE FOR OLYMPIC – Allira Toby goes in search of the equaliser but sees her strike denied by the woodwork

89’ – GOAL FOR SOUTHS – Deeanna Thompson restores breathing space for the hosts by tucking home a composed finish after being picked out by a defence splitting pass from Ayesha Norrie

What They Said

“We knew it was going to be a tough game and we did fight well once we got in there. The girls were ready for a battle and knew what was coming. We composed ourselves really well. This will set us up for a good win next week. If we keep strong and playing like we do I can’t see why we can’t.” – Deeanna Thompson, Souths United FC Women

“We have another tough game next week. Hopefully we can learn from the higher pace (tonight) because we’ve had a few easier games to start with. So hopefully we can now lift and start working together a lot better.” – Rebekkah Horsey, Olympic FC Women

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s 2016 – Round 5
Sunday, April 10
Wakerley Park, Brisbane

Souths United FC Women 3 defeat Olympic FC Women 1

Souths Goals – Meaghan MCELLIGOTT 48’, Kirsten MCGILVRAY 78’, Deeanna THOMPSON 89’
Souths Yellow Cards – Tayler STEVENS 73’
Souths Red Cards – none

Souths Squad – 1. Bianca WARRENER, 4. Eloise FRYER, 5. Georgia KEEN (6. Kirsten MCGILVRAY 76’), 7. Meaghan MCELLIGOTT (14. Amber MAXWELL 89’), 8. Caitlin MOSS, 9. Terri-Amber CARLSON, 10. Deeanna THOMPSON, 11. Ayesha NORRIE, 12. Rita MARSHALL (3. Lousia MARMION 60’), 13. Tayler STEVENS, 15. Chelsea HARPER
Souths Unused – 2. Bianka TOPALOVIC, 17. Kate LAWSON

Olympic Goals – Natalie TATHEM 79’
Olympic Yellow Cards - none
Olympic Red Cards – none

Olympic Squad – 1. Kaytlyn RONAN, 4. Allira TOBY, 5. Jazmyn PERIN (13. Matalena DANIELLS 70’), 6. Kate MORTON, 9. Kirsten JAMIESON, 10. Ellizabeth DOHERTY, 11. Natalie TATHEM, 14. Rachel SMITH, 15. Kristi NEW (7. Kara MOWBREY 85’), 18. Lorena MAGGIO, 19. Rebekah HORSEY
Olympic Unused – none

Match Officials –  Kaylah VEJLE (referee), Madeleine RAPISARDI (assistant), Krystina MARKOVICS (assistant)