Lions women retain top spot on soccer ladder

Southern and Ettalong United Football Club has retained its spot at the top of the Central Coast Women's Premier League ladder after defeating Toukley Football Club in their Round 5 fixture.

Toukley welcomed the soccer league leaders to Harry Moore Oval on May 12 as they looked to pick up their first victory of the new campaign.

After four draws to start the season, Toukley headed into the match as one of only two undefeated sides in the WPL.

Southern and Ettalong United headed into the match after back-to-back wins.

"It was a frantic start to the match, with some good football played by both sides goal," said Central Coast Football's digital content coordinator Mr Lachlan Herd.

"However, neither could find the quality required to break through for the opening.

"The frantic nature and overall physicality of the match appeared to take its toll on some players as the first half wore on, and an accidental hand-ball in the Southern penalty area gave Toukley the opportunity to take the lead.

"Lions keeper Bec Arnfield produced a full length save to deny the spot kick and see the teams head to the sheds locked at 0-0.

"The penalty save at the end of the first half had obviously sparked the Southern side into life, and they came out for the second half with the bit between their teeth.

"Tahlor Thackray managed to latch onto a cross to give the Lions the lead, before she then despatched two penalties to complete her hat-trick and send her into outright second on the WPL Golden Boot standings with eight for the season.

"Elaine Delaney then completed the Lions scoring, chipping the on-rushing Toukley keeper to see her side into a 4-0 lead," Mr Herd said.

Toukley managed a goal late in the contest, for Ettalongto win 4-1.

Umina United faced Terrigal United at Umina Oval in their Round 5 fixture.

"Terrigal started the match brightly.

"However, the Umina defensive line answered well," Mr Herd said.

"After absorbing significant early pressure from Terrigal, Umina managed to score three quick-fire goals to see them head to the sheds with a three-goal advantage.

"It was a clinical display from the Umina outfit, and they pressed on in the second half adding one more to the tally to see them out to a 4-0 lead.

"Umina was able to hold this lead and keep Terrigal scoreless to take the round."

The win sees Umina move into fourth on the ladder.

SOURCE:

Media release, 15 May 2019

Lachlan Herd, Central Coast Football