U15’s Grand Final Bound!

United Captain Reese Donnelly & the Gap’s Rachel Dudley battle for possession (Suzanne Davies)

 

After clinching the National Premier Leagues Premiership, the Gold Coast United FC U15 Girls are Grand Final bound, securing their place in the big dance with a solid 3-1 win yesterday at Robina Station Reserve against a valiant Gap side.

United opened the scoring early when Anabelle Gibson bundled home a Lilly Rae corner but the Gap responded quickly with Madison Lay heading home from a corner at the other end. The home side re-took the lead soon after when pressure from Ryleigh Saunderson forced an error from the Gap’s keeper, an own goal. With half time in sight a Lilly Rae long range ‘bomb’ stretched the lead to 3-1.

 

 

United Coach, Keith Garland, addressing his players at half time.

 

During the break Coach Keith Garland reminded his side that the Gap would come out all guns blazing in the second half and urged his Girls to remain structured, disciplined and to work hard, which is exactly what they did.

The second half was a tight affair with no addition to the score. Reese Donnelly & Anabelle Gibson controlled the midfield. Defensively Laura Elliot was a rock at the back, wide backs Ebony Taylor and Carys Jones were also strong throughout.

For the visitors Faith Stephenson impressed in defence with Madison Lay strong going forward. The Gap can hold their heads high, a strong team performance .

 

United head into next Sunday’s Grand Final at Briggs Road (Ipswich) against Souths United with some confidence, having accounted for their opponents in the two league encounters in season 2018. Kick-off is at 5pm.

 

NPLWQLD U15 Girls Semi-Final

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Station Reserve, Robina

                                                  

Gold Coast United                             3 (Gibson 11’ OG 19’ Rae 39′)

The Gap                                              1 (Lay 19′)