Female Football on the Coast the real winner!
Photo (l to r) John White (President, Mudgeeraba SC), Ailie Rennie (Mudgeeraba), Faye Rodd, Neesa Doyle (GCU), Paul Rushton (Football Gold Coast), Danny Maher (President Gold Coast United)
United & Mudgeeraba share the spoils in last night’s pulsating Women’s derby in Robina.
The first encounter between the two first-time NPL Clubs delivered on its promise to showcase the depth of talented female players on the Gold Coast, with the 4-4 scoreline reflective of a game that see-sawed from end to end. The two sides will have to wait until July to see who claims the inaugural Faye Rodd Cup.
Mudgeeraba Captain, Ailee Rennie, best summed up the match.
“It was a great first derby between the two teams and a great display of women’s football to celebrate the work of Faye Rodd.”
It was Rennie’s side that got things started, with Sarah Skinner using her speed to advantage to open the scoring. Meg McElligott squared the ledger on the stroke of half-time, adding to her growing season tally, to see the sides locked together going into the break.
The second half saw goals aplenty with the Wallabies quickest out of the blocks and opening a two goal advantage with Ruby Dolso scoring first and Skinner grabbing her second, a penalty, with 27’ to go.
To their credit the home side dug deep and their experienced attackers again led the way.
American Mackenzie Akins drew GCU within one when she continued her good goal scoring form and McElligott scored her second with a quarter of an hour to play. Game on, 3-3.
When Kriste Ruehe opened her GCU account with only seven minutes to play it look like the more fancied United would take all 3 points. But the Wallabies had other ideas and Jemima Lockley squared things up 4 apiece with only 2 minutes left on the clock.
A late push by United saw McElligott score on the final whistle but an offside call saw the goal disallowed and the match ended in a draw.
Contrasting emotions from the respective coaches post match.
While obviously disappointed that his side couldn’t take the win, United’s Michael Cook was happy that his team showed grit.
“The big positive was our ability to come from 3-1 down to lead 4-3 in the closing stages.
“But I have to say that myself and the players are disappointed to not collect all three points. We made some silly mistakes and with two tough games coming up, the focus in training will be on defensive organization. We will always score goals, but we need to start getting clean sheets.”
Mudgeeraba Coach, David Thompson was heartened by the performance of the Mudgeeraba women.
“It was a totally committed effort by a team of players new to this level of football who are learning fast. A great game that showcased the talent of women’s football on the Coast.”
United’s next opportunity to impress comes this Friday night at home against the Brisbane Roar NTC while Mudgeeraba welcome Mitchelton to Sid Begg Park next Sunday.
National Premier Leagues Women Queensland – Round Six
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Robina Station Reserve
Gold Coast United 4 (McElligott 45′ 74′, Akins 71’, Ruehe 83’)
Mudgeeraba 4 (Skinner 29′, 63′, Dolso 48′, Lockley 88′ )