Champs send a playoff warning
LEICHHARDT has had the premiership sewn up for weeks but receiving the coveted title has only enhanced the Lions’ drive for more glory, according to coach Natalie Fichera.
The Lions were presented with the FNQ Premier League Women’s premiership for finishing top of the league after a comprehensive 5-0 thrashing of Mareeba United at their White Rock home ground.
Most concerning for the rest of the top four was the manner in which Leichhardt earned their win.
They dominated play, they executed the plans they’ve spent all year practising on the training park, and they scored through four different players.
Amy Walton scored a double, while Taylah Knight, Madison Cater and Fichera all found the net in a win which has given the Lions confidence ahead of this week’s major semi final against defending champions Edge Hill United.
Fichera said the diversity of goalscorers simply reinforces how dangerous Leichhardt is.
“A few of these young players are the backbone of our side so a win like that gives us a lot confidence,” Fichera said.
“A fair few of the girls scored but we missed a fair few so we’ll need to work on our execution. I think it’s a good sign of how we play.”
Hosts are determined by the results in the men’s Premier League competition, which means Leichhardt will give up home field advantage when they face Edge Hill United at Tiger Park this week.
It isn’t something Fichera has spent too much time thinking about: the job is the same, just give the girls a pitch to play and they’ll be right to go.
Mareeba United finished third on the table, and will face JCU Strikers, who beat Innisfail 4-1 to finish fourth, in the minor semi final.