United Women extend Winning Run

An outstanding defensive effort from United’s back five against Capalaba FC (David Wadsworth Images)

 

 

Another strong showing from the Gold Coast Women putting five unanswered goals past Capalaba yesterday at Runaway Bay.

 

A blustery wind combined with a hard pitch made going tough early with both sides struggling to settle. United found their rhythm late in the first when Joy Forsyth started a sweeping move down the right from deep. After some typically tenacious defending Forsyth found Georgia Elliston in space who in turn set Dee Thompson free, she used her pace to find room to deliver a telling pass to the back post that Phoebe Cave bundled in. One nil at the turn.

The second half was all United with Reiri Ono and Mackenzie Akins showing their class, their industry and deft passing creating chances aplenty. The hard running Georgia Elliston and pacey Thompson took full advantage of the combination play of the imports to pressure the Capalaba defence. Thompson was rewarded with a brace. Lara Byfield was on the spot to tap home and Akins added another to her season’s tally (now 21 goals).

 

Reiri Ono in action for United (David Wadsworth Images)

 

Coach Michael Cook was delighted with his side’s performance after the match.

“Very tough conditions dictated that it was never going to be a classic game, but I am delighted with our squad’s ability to win matches in different ways.”

While the result was sealed by the United’s strike force up front Cook was full of praise for his defenders who laid the platform for the win.

“Capalaba did trouble us in the first half, but the back four repelled everything and were great as a defensive unit.

“A big congratulations to Meghan as well for her first clean sheet of the season, she played her part in a strong defensive display.”

 

A third win on the trot for United continues a strong second half of the season that sees the United Women lift to sixth on the NPLW Queensland ladder.

Squad depth will be tested this week however with a catch-up game scheduled against one of the competition’s form sides, Brisbane Roar NTC on Thursday night. Long term injuries to Ellie Fryer and Krista Ruehe and the recent departure of Jayde Lowe and Charley Rayner for the USA, means Cook’s remaining charges will need to dig deep against the skill and speed of the young Roar squad.

The Coach is excited by the challenge a busy week of football brings with his squad heading to Logan on Saturday, a two day turnaround after the Roar match.

“The Roar are a well organised, well coached team, with classy players all over the field.

“Lightning too are a very dangerous team, very physical and lots of pace, and we expect another tough game.

“We’re all looking forward to testing ourselves once again against strong opponents.”

 

Women’s National Premier Leagues , Rd 24

Sunday, August 12, 2018

Runaway Bay Soccer Club

 

                                                  

Gold Coast United       5 (Cave 41’, Thompson 56’ 93’, Akin 69’, Byfield 91’)

Capalaba                      0