Women's soccer team takes premiership

Umina Women's Premier League soccer team defeated Gosford with a penalty shootout on the weekend of September 16 and 17 to be named the winner of this year's grand final 4-3.

League champions Gosford were tipped to take out the grand final for the third consecutive year but the game was open with end to end football.

Umina dominated the first 20 minutes and came close to taking an early lead through the efforts of Umina leading goal scorer Shana Jones and striker Chelsea Campbell.

Gosford looked the more dangerous side as Umina backed off their intensity 30 minutes into the game and missed an opportunity to take the lead when a penalty was awarded to them that flew over the crossbar.

Scoreless at the break, Gosford took control of the game and Umina's keeper, Emily Dixon, was called on many times to thwart the Dragons' onslaught.

The defence of Umina was tested continually and Umina sweeper, Danielle Harris, was constantly in demand to blunt any Gosford attack from Dragons' striker Angela Beattie.

At the final whistle the score remained at nil-all and extra time was awarded.

With both teams locked together it was looking likely for a penalty shootout, although Gosford was dominating play, but unable to capitalise on their opportunities.

The conclusion of extra time could not separate the two squads and the ensuing penalty shootout ended with Umina taking the grand final after Umina keeper Emily Dixon saved the final three penalties.

"What a fantastic end to a history making season for Umina," said Umina coach Trevor Bleakley.

"With ladies gathered from past and present teams, some have been with me since they were 10-years-old and half of them never playing premier league before.

"Most never experiencing a single win in Women's Premier League before, if not all, it is a little unbelievable," he said.

Email, 19 Sep 2012

Val Bridge, Narara