Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Pye Augustine
Images: Chris Simpson

A hat-trick from red hot attacker Meaghan McElligott has helped Souths United Women storm to a comprehensive 5-1 win over Western Pride Women at Briggs Road Complex.

McElligott notched all three of her goals in the first half to move to the top of the competition’s Golden Boot race.

Deeanna Thompson and Ayesha Norrie also chimed in late in the piece before Nikkita Hubbard delivered the hosts a late consolation with a long-range effort in the final minutes.

The win is Souths second straight and first ever over Pride – lifting them to third in the competition standings.

The result also furthers a four match losing streak for Pride, who have not tasted victory since their opening round win over bottom-placed Redlands United.

Key Moments

3’ – CHANCE FOR SOUTHS – Deeanna Thompson fires the first shot in anger from outside the penalty area but it is saved by Pride goalkeeper Kirsten Veeren

8’ – CHANCE FOR SOUTHS – Rita Marshall’s through ball releases Meaghan McElligott one-one-one with Kirsten Veeren but the goalkeeper wins the dual

13’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Emma Barnes wins possession before delivering a through-ball for Rahni Pritchard, however her shot sails high over the crossbar

22’ – GOAL FOR SOUTHS – Kirsten McGilvray plays in Meaghan McElligott, who drives into the penalty area before skimming in a well-struck finish to open accounts

33’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – A mistimed clearance from Souths goalkeeper Bianca Warrener falls invitingly for Nikkola Dawes, but she guides the ensuing shot straight at Warrener

43’ – GOAL FOR SOUTHS – Pride fail to clear a Souths corner with Meaghan McElligott ultimately gaining possession, cutting inside a defender and then slotting a composed finish

44’ – GOAL FOR SOUTHS – Pride lose the ball immediately from the kick-off and McElligott drives into the penalty before smashing in another clinical finish to complete her hat-trick

55’ – CHANCE FOR SOUTHS – Deeanna Thompson’s cross picks out Ayesha Norrie but her shot is directed straight at Kirsten Veeren

60’ – CHANCE FOR SOUTHS – Caitlin Moss receives at the top of the penalty area from a corenr and forces another save from Kirsten Veeren

65’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Melissah Von Bischoffhausen’s run results in a low shot that is claimed at the near post by Bianca Warrener

78’ – GOAL FOR SOUTHS – Deeanna Thompson controls from a cross before advancing on goal and guiding home an assured finish

86’ – GOAL FOR SOUTHS – Another storming run into the area from Meaghan McElligott draws Kirsten Veeren before she squares for Ayesha Norrie to deliver a tap-in

90’ – GOAL FOR PRIDE – Substitute Nikkita Hubbard receives possession well outside the penalty area and strikes a long range shot that sneaks in at the far post

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s 2016 – Round 6

Sunday, April 17
Briggs Road Sporting Complex, Ipswich

Souths United FC Women 5 defeat Western Pride FC Women 1

Pride Goals – Nikkita HUBBARD 90’
Pride Yellow Cards – Alicia COLE 68’
Pride Red Cards – none

Pride Squad – 1. Kirsten VEEREN, 2. Emma BARNES, 3. Jasmin GRAHAM, 5. Alicia COLE, 7. Nikkola DAWES (4. Nikkita HUBBARD 77’), 8. Melissah VON BISCHOFFSHAUSEN, 10 Rahni PRITCHARD (6. Annie LEYLAND 82’), 12. Callie MANWARING, 14. Mariecamilla FALANIKO AH KI, 15. Montanna MCAVOY, 16. Nicole QUINN (21. Ella Jewell ROOSEN 55’)
Pride Unused – none

Souths Goals – Meaghan MCELLIGOTT 22’ 43’ 44’, Deeanna THOMPSON 78’, Ayesha NORRIE 86’
Souths Yellow Cards – Ayesha NORRIE 79’, Georgia KEEN 88’
Souths Red Cards – none

Souths Squad – 1. Bianca WARRENER , 3. Louisa MARMION (5. Georgia KEEN 60’), 6. Kirsten MCGILVRAY (4. Eloise FRYER 60’), 7. Meaghan MCELLIGOTT, 8. Caitlin MOSS, 9. Terri-Amber CARLSON (17. Kate LAWSON 71’), 10. Deeanna THOMPSON, 11. Ayesha NORRIE, 12. Rita MARSHALL, 13. Tayler STEVENS, 15. Chelsea HARPER
Souths Unused – none