Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Cara Confessore
Images: Ky Wain

Souths United Women have survived a scare against unfancied Peninsula Power Women – fighting from a goal down before prevailing 3-1 at Wakerley Park.

The second-placed Souths dominated the early chances but found themselves trailing at the break after Jessica Eccles struck midway through the half with a stunning solo effort for the visitors – lifting her season’s tally to three goals.

Souths restored parity just after the hour courtesy of Ambrosia Malone before Power suffered a decisive blow when Jasmine Michel was dismissed just minutes later when her handball denied a goal scoring opportunity.

Souths captain Tayler Stevens capitalised on the follow-up from the ensuing penalty, before Deeanna Thompson sealed the win in the final quarter hour.

The win sees the second-placed Souths reduce the deficit to league leaders The Gap FC Women to five points and marks a ninth game without defeat.

For Power, the result extends an eight game winless streak but marks a dramatic turnaround from the teams previous meeting this season when they conceded a humbling ten goals on their home turf.

Key Moments

8’- CHANCE FOR SOUTHS- Rita Marshall delivers a curling strike from the left hand side of the penalty area towards the top corner but it strikes the post and rebounds out

17’ – CHANCE FOR SOUTHS – Terri-Amber Carlson threatens from a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area

28’ – CHANCE FOR SOUTHS – Deeanna Thompson’s cross is met by the surging Georgia Keen but her shot is denied by Power goalkeeper Hideka Shikata

32’ – GOAL FOR POWER – Jessica Eccles splits open the Souths defence before keeping her composure to place a pin-point finish past Souths goalkeeper Bianca Warrener

43’ – CHANCE FOR POWER – Michelle Le Roux takes possession on the edge of the ‘D’ then skims the Souths defenders but is unable to keep her shot down under pressure from the onrushing Warrener

57’ – CHANCE FOR SOUTHS – Carlson attempts an audacious effort from half-way but the ball doesn’t quite dip enough as it goes over the crossbar

62’ – GOAL FOR SOUTHS – Thompson crosses to Carlson who delivers a strong finish that is denied by Shikata before being turned in by Ambrosia Malone

66’ – RED CARD FOR POWER – A blatant handball inside the penalty area from Jasmine Michel denies Souths a goal-scoring opportunity and the Power defender is issued with a straight red card and a penalty awarded to the hosts

66’ – GOAL FOR SOUTHS – Carlson sees her initial penalty shot saved by Shikata, however Tayler Stevens is swiftly onto the rebound and tucks away the second chance

78’ – GOAL FOR SOUTHS – Eloise Fryer cuts a swathe through the Power defence before teeing up Thompson, who slots a vigorously struck finish into the top right hand corner to seal the win

What They Said

“I thought we stepped it up a lot more in the second half but it was still hard to break Peninsula down and I have to give them a lot of credit for the way they played. They have definitely improved. I think a lot of the teams that we beat convincingly (earlier in the season) have all improved now. It makes the league a lot more competitive.“ – Gary French, Souths United FC Women coach

“I’m ecstatic. This is a result and a score line that will surprise a lot of people. It hasn’t surprised me – I’ve always known this young team has that sort of performance in them. We’ve changed our shape and the way we played and worked hard in training and to the girls’ credit every single one of them stuck to the plan. I couldn’t be prouder.“ – Michael Cook, Peninsula Power FC Women coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s 2016 – Round 14

Tuesday, June 21
Wakerley Park, Brisbane

Souths United FC Women – 3 (Ambrosia MALONE 62’, Tayler STEVENS 66’, Deeanna THOMPSON 78’
Peninsula Power FC Women – 1 (Jessica ECCLES 32’)

Match Centre – http://bit.ly/28RdJ7u

Match Officials – Sarah WILLINGTON (referee), Madeleine RAPISARDI (assistant), Cathy TEMPLE (assistant)