Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting & Images: Paul Smith

A double for Greta Bodey has kept The Gap FC Women’s perfect season alive after a backs-to-the-wall 2-1 win over SWQ Thunder Women at Clive Berghofer Stadium.

The recently crowned Premiers appeared on track for another comfortable win when Bodey opened accounts inside the opening quarter hour, however were soon on the back foot when goalkeeper Noran Abaza was dismissed for a foul on Abbey Lloyd.

The Thunder striker levelled terms from the ensuing spot-kick, however, despite the numerical advantage, Thunder made little headway against Gators for the remainder of the match – the best chances created by the visitors, who twice struck the crossbar.

Ultimately, Thunder succumbed in the closing minutes of the contest when Bodey headed home her 20^th goal of the season to snatch a defiant three points for the Gators.

The loss is Thunder’s third straight but sees them retain their hold on fifth place on goal difference over Sunshine Coast FC Women.

The result marks a second straight year Gators have claimed a league double over Thunder.

Key Moments

12’ – GOAL FOR GATORS - Talitha Doro crosses from the right, and Greta Bodey with the inside of her back foot tucks the ball across the line

15’ – CHANCE FOR GATORS – Kaitlyn Winter’s cross picks out Bodey at close range however heavy defensive pressure from Kirsty Muir sees the Gatos striker lift her shot over the crossbar

25’ – RED CARD FOR GATORS – Gators goalkeeper Noran Abaza’s pass out from the back is intercepted by Abbey Lloyd, who touches past Abaza but is then dragged down from behind by the custodian to concede a penalty and a straight red card

26’ – GOAL FOR THUNDER – Lloyd slots the ensuing penalty kick past makeshift goalkeeper Ruth Blackburn

66’ – CHANCE FOR GATORS – Megan Price’s corner is met by Blackburn (now out of goal) at the back post, but she steers her shot wide of the target

71’ – CHANCE FOR GATORS – Price sees her strike bounce back off the crossbar for Winter but her follow-up is palmed away by Thunder goalkeeper Katlin Peterson

73’ – CHANCE FOR GATORS – Winter again lines up a shot from the edge of the penalty area but it cannons off the crossbar

80’ – CHANCE FOR THUNDER – Abbey Lloyd looks to snatch a goal on the counter attack, however her long range effort is directed straight at goalkeeper Lauren Butler.

90+1’ – GOAL FOR GATORS – Winter’s corner is met by the head of Bodey to seal the points

What They Said

“It was obviously very tough going down to ten men early in the game but I think we showed a lot of character to not give up. I think we’ve done well to come away with all three points. Our goal for the season from now on is not to drop any points and I think it will be an incredible feat if we can do that.“ – Greta Bodey, The Gap FC Women striker

“We’re down a lot of players with injury and sickness, but the girls came out running. We played with all our hearts and gave it everything we could for the whole ninety minutes. I’m so unbelievably proud of these girls. The Gap are such a great team and we came out with no pressure and wanted to make them work for their points and I think we did that today.“ – Jordan Franke, SWQ Thunder FC Women captain

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s 2016 – Round 20

Sunday, August 7
Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba

SWQ Thunder FC Women – 1 (Abbey LLOYD p.26’)
The Gap FC Women – 2 (Greta BODEY 12’ 90’+1)

Match Centre – http://bit.ly/2b0iNu2

Match Officials – Thomas CARROLL (referee), James MAINEY (assistant), Liam DODMAN (assistant)