Words: Tristram Peters and Jed Theed
Images: Chris Simpson

The Gap Women have extended their winning streak to 30 in the PlayStation 4 NPL Women’s Queensland competition after defeating Souths United Women 3-1 at Walton Bridge Reserve on Sunday night.

Gators’ captain Ruth Blackburn opened the scoring in the 16th minute, thumping a header into the top right corner following a number of close chances.

Catherine O’Neil extended the lead after the break with a fantastic free-kick from 30 yards out that cannoned into the goal.

Souths responded through a Rosie Sutton header, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback, as Zali Eason-Coutts secured the Gators a 3-1 win with a tidy finish in the dying minutes.

The Gap travel to AJ Kelly Park next weekend to take on Peninsula Power Women in a top-of-the-table clash, while Souths host Sunshine Coast FC Women.

Key Moments

16’ – GOAL FOR GATORS – Ruth Blackburn scores from the corner with a beautiful header into the top right corner.

24’ – CHANCE FOR SOUTHS – Eloise Fryer’s long shot from a corner is well saved by Noran Abaza.

57’ – GOAL FOR GATORS – Catherine O’Neill takes a free from 30 yards out to the right of the goal and drills an absolute screamer into the top left corner.

59’ – CHANCE FOR SOUTHS – Kirsten Mcgilvray shoots across her body from the right-hand side, forcing Noran Abaza to reach left and make a great save.

68’ – GOAL FOR SOUTHS – Rosie Sutton’s header finds the top left corner.

90’ – GOAL FOR GATORS – Charli Mclennan connects on a one-two with Talitha Doro and crosses to Bethany Ashton who applies the finish.

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s Queensland 2017 – Round 3
Sunday, 2 April
Walton Bridge Reserve

The Gap Women 3 (Ruth BLACKBURN 16’, Catherine O’NEILL 57’, Bethany ASHTON 90’)
Souths United Women 1 (Rosie SUTTON 68’)

Referee – Sarah WILLINGTON
Assistant – Cathy TEMPLE
Assistant – Vanessa MERTENS