Southern and Ettalong return to top of the ladder

Southern and Ettalong United women's soccer team have returned to the top of the Central Coast Football Women's Premier League ladder after picking up a win in Round 9.

After being knocked out of first place on the ladder in Round 7, Southern and Ettalong had been playing a game of chicken with ladder leaders Kanwal, who were able to hold onto the top spot by a single point after Round 8.

However, Kanwal's loss to Terrigal United in their Round 9 fixture paved the way for Southern and Ettalong to reclaim the lead after they beat the Kincumber Roos 3-1 in their match.

Southern and Ettalong United went into the match with a seven game winning streak

"Ettalong struggled early against a solid Kincumber defence," said Central Coast Football's digital content coordinator Mr Lachlan Herd.

He said quality chances were at a premium for both sides throughout a first half that, at times, became rather scrappy

Locked at 0-0 at half time, Kincumber came out for the second period full of life, regularly catching Ettalong out of position.

Eventually the pressure was to pay off as Kincumber were awarded a penalty after the referee found a foul had occurred within the Ettalong penalty area.

"The penalty was dispatched and Kincumber found themselves with a shock 1-0 lead early in the second half," Mr Herd said.

"The goal appeared to jolt Ettalong back to life as they grew into the second half, and in the 65th minute Women's League top goal scorer Tahlor Thackray, brought them back level after weaving through the Kincumber defenders and finishing neatly past the Roo's keeper.

"The goal appeared to change the momentum of the match and it looked only a matter of time before Ettalong would take the lead.

"A goal to Charlotte Steed in the 70th minute gave them lead they'd been looking for.

"Emma Woodger finished off the scoring for Ettalong in the 83rd minute to seal the win, as she beat her defender before placing the ball past the keeper to see the match finish 3-1," Mr Herd said.

Southern and Ettalong coach Craig Thackray said despite the team's fiery finish his girls had to work for the win.

Umina United also came away with a win in Round 9 when they defeated East Gosford 3-nil.

"Umina came out and got on the ball more than their counterparts throughout the first half.

"However they struggled to find the breakthrough in front of goal as the Rams defence held firm, with the match remaining locked at nil-all at half time," Mr Herd said.

"It became evident early on in the second period that the match would open up as both sides pushed hard for the opening goal of the contest.

"After a few chances for both sides, eventually Umina found the breakthrough before going on to score another two in quick succession to swiftly wrap up the three points.

"A double to Amber Mangan and a first goal of the season to Alison Howell proved the difference between the sides, with the win seeing Umina hold onto third position on the ladder, creeping closer to second placed Kanwal in the process.

SOURCE:

Website, 13 Jun 2019

Lachlan Herd, Central Coast Football