Easts and United Share Spoils
Mackenzie Akins with another strong performance against Easts (this photo of Mackenzie v Wanderers Rd13 by Craig Clifford / Sportspics)
Both teams worked very hard in an even contest with Easts and United dominating during different periods, but in the end the points were shared last night at Heath Park.
According to United Coach Michael Cook, “the 3-3 result was a fair reflection of the game overall.”
Easts opened the scoring early through Georgina Amos but the Coast responded with Krista Ruehe heading home a Meg McElligott corner. Shortly after the roles were reversed, McElligott finding the back of the net with her head from a Mackenzie Akins free kick.
Leading 2-1 at the turn hopes were high for the Women, but it was Easts who came out of the sheds the better and quickly tied things up when Amos bagged her second. And when Susanne Mckeen put the hosts ahead with 25’ left to play things looked ominous for the visitors.
To their credit the Coast pressed hard but spurned several chances. A point was salvaged late through an Easts own goal in the last minute of normal time.
Michael Cook was happy with the performance post game.
“Overall we will accept the valuable away point, even if we feel we shaded the game a little.”
He was also pleased with the first involvement from new signing Jayde Lowe and the effort and application of some of his younger squad members.
“Kijana Walker played her first full game of the season, had a strong performance, and will grow a lot from the experience. Georgia Elliston gets through an extraordinary amount of work every time she plays and was again huge for us tonight.
“Special mention for Jayde Lowe, who on debut showed she’s a valuable addition to the squad.
“Lara Byfield also made a difference when she came on for us, giving us great energy and forcing our opponents back with her pace.”
A tough one next up for the United Women with high flyers Lions FC visiting Robina next Sunday with kick-off at 5pm.
National Premier Leagues Women, Rd 15
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Heath Park
Easts 3 (Amos 10’46’ Mckeen 64’)
GCU 3 (Ruehe 26’ McElligott 32’ OG 89’)