Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Western Pride FC

Western Pride Women fought from two goals down to draw 2-2 against an undefeated Palm Beach SC Women on Sunday night at Briggs Road Complex.

Deanna Thompson scored a brace for Sharks to put the visitors ahead, however late goals to Kara Mowbray and Caitlin Turner proved enough for the hosts to salvage an unlikely share of the points.

Despite a heavy surface following extensive weekend rain, both sides played open football in the opening stages - the goalkeepers proving hard to beat early on.

Thompson made the breakthrough just after the half hour, making strong-armed run through the Pride defence before slotting home with a well-struck finish.

The Sharks attacker then doubled the advantage only a minute after the restart, latching onto a throughball before delivering another composed finish.

However the hosts fought back through debutant Mowbray, who slotted a composed finish to halve the margin on the hour.

The comeback was completed with 10 minutes remaining after a Pride corner kick resulted in a penalty resulting from a Sharks handball - Turner netting the ensuing spot-kick.

A tense finish saw chances for both sides, however neither was able to find a late winner.

Sharks coach Gary French said he was disappointed to see the lead slip late in the match but conceded that Pride proved more than up for the contest.

“We’re finding there are no easy games now in this league. It’s a case of every game we have to battle,” French explained.

Pride coach Lorena Maggio said she was pleased with the spirit shown by her side and the performance in the wet conditions.

“We had a bit of a team talk at half-time and came out firing, so we couldn’t be happier,” Maggio said.

Listen to the full post-match interviews below.

Western Pride FC Women  2 (Kara MOWBRAY 60’, Caitlin TURNER 80’)
Palm Beach SC Women  2 (Deanna THOMPSON 31’ 46’)