Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Paul Smith/SWQ Thunder FC

Sunshine Coast Women moved within three points of the top four after edging SWQ Thunder Women 3-1 at USQ Toara Park on Saturday.

The hosts managed to equalise after an early Fire opener and were in the contest for much of the match, until Sofie Persson settled matters late in proceedings.

Danielle Collins was first on the scoresheet for either side, opening her account for the season with a fifth-minute opener.

After an early three-goal deficit last week proved too much to overcome, Thunder were keen not to let the visitors run away with the result and swiftly equalised through Rosanna Berry.

Just days after being selected to join Brisbane Roar’s Westfield W-League setup for training, 19-year-old forward Samara Christmas celebrated in the best possible manner in the 25^th minute by restoring Fire’s advantage.

Dave Bensted’s side held that 2-1 lead at the break in pursuit of a sixth win in seven matches that would put them within striking distance of the finals places.

Thunder managed to remain in the hunt to avoid defeat for just the third time this term but Swedish striker Sofie Persson, another Fire player recently invited to spend time with Roar, wrapped up all three points for the visitors by striking in the 85^th minute.

The result fanned hopes of finals football for Fire ahead of next round’s visit of Western Pride Women, while Thunder face a tough trip to the Gold Coast to meet the league-leading Palm Beach SC Women.

Speaking after the match, Fire coach Dave Bensted acknowledged the tight nature of the contest.

"It was a very close game. On chances it was probably even but we managed to take ours," Bensted said.

South West Queensland Thunder FC Women 1 (Rosanna BERRY 13’)
Sunshine Coast FC Women 3 (Danielle COLLINS 5’ Samara CHRISTMAS 25’ Sofie PERSSON 85’)