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

Western Pride Women kicked off their campaign with a solid 2-0 win over Redlands United Women at Briggs Road Sporting Complex.

Rahni Pritchard opened account early in the piece for Pride before Emma Barnes sealed the result from the penalty spot in the second half.

The result marks the first time Pride have won their season opener in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s competition.

Key Moments

6’ – GOAL FOR PRIDE – Nicole Quinn bombs down the flank before delivering a neat cut-back to the feet of Rahni Pritchard who makes no mistake with the finish.

25’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE - Montanna McAvoy plays him Nikkita Hubbard one-on-one, however Redlands goalkeeper Megan Byriel is up to task and smothers the ball at Hubbard’s feet.

52’ - GOAL FOR PRIDE – A handball in the box by the Redlands defence sends Emma Barnes to the penalty spot and she makes no mistake as she slots the spot kick into the bottom left corner

57’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Emma Barnes is given space and chances her luck from outside the penalty area but the shot fails to dip enough and goes over the crossbar

65’ – CHANCE FOR REDLANDS – Emilie Rochelet picks out Gemma Kline from a free-kick for a one-on-one opportunity but Pride goalkeeper Kristen Veeren makes the stop to keep a clean sheet

What They Said

“We’re quietly confident that the girls will do well this year. It’s a new team and a new beginning for the year and optimism is always high at the start of the season.” – Len Manwaring, Western Pride FC Women

“We’re in a rebuilding phase and we’ve gone from big scores (in pre-season) to losing only two-nil today. I am very proud of the way they played today. We’re trying to play football and it’s a brand new team.” – John Blanco, Redlands United FC Women

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s 2016 – Round 1
Sunday, February 28
Briggs Road Sporting Complex, Ipswich

Western Pride FC Women 2 defeat Redlands United FC Women 0

WESTERN PRIDE FC WOMEN

Goals – Rahni PRITCHARD 6’, Emma BARNES 52’p,
Yellow cards - none
Red cards – none

Squad – 1. Kirsten VEEREN, 2. Emma BARNES, 3. Jasmin GRAHAM, 4. Nikkita HUBBARD, 5. Alicia COLE, 8. Melissah VON BISCHOFFSHAUSEN, 10. Rahni PRITCHARD (21. Ella Jewell ROOSEN 77’), 12. Callie MANWARING (13. Nikkola DAWES 40’), 16. Nichole QUINN, 15. Montanna MCAVOY (19. Ebony MCQUEEN 86’)
Unused – 6. Annie LEYLAND, 7. Natasha KIRCHNER

REDLANDS UNITED FC WOMEN

Goals - none
Yellow cards - none
Red cards – none

Squad – 1. Megan BYRIEL, 2. Whitney HOWSON, 3. Samantha MICALLEF, 5. Marcela TREVINO CANTU, 6. Christina BYRD, 7. Gemma KLINE, 8. Nadine MAGEE, 10. Rikki-Lee APPLEYARD, 12. Emilie ROCHELET, 13. Tayla LEE, 14. Samantha VANDERSTAM, 17. Delyse LAYCOCK, 18. Kate MORRIS

Unused - unconfirmed