Southport surprise United to earn draw
SOUTHPORT and Broadbeach United have shared the points in their Brisbane Women’s Premier League debut as they begin preparations to host two of their northern rivals this week.
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw at Ashmore Village Park on Saturday in Round 1 of the competition they are featuring in for the first time.
Shelby White put Southport in front after the side was awarded a penalty midway through the first half before Jade Bianchetti equalised in the 80th minute.
“We’re really happy with the intensity we showed when we went out there,” Southport coach Trent Gregson said.
“Our first 80 minutes I was quite happy with. One thing we did discover is our match fitness is lacking a bit.
“As much as we have prepared, once Round 1 comes around the intensity is higher and there were a lot of nerves from some of our newer players in the squad.
“It was about getting the cobwebs out and letting some players find their feet.
“Broadbeach were the benchmark last year and went through the season undefeated. So for us to have them on the ropes for most of the game, I can live with a draw.”
Both sides competed in last year’s Gold Coast Women’s Premier League but joined the revamped Brisbane league in 2019.
Broadbeach captain Gemma Hicks said United were below their best but would learn from the experience.
“We didn’t perform to our best, at all,” Hicks said.
“Southport were a lot stronger than we anticipated but it was a pretty equal game.
“For us it was about our structure, gelling as a side and our communication. They were lacking.
“Nerves definitely played a part. We have a few new girls coming in and they were a bit nervous going into such a strong competition.
“Everyone is looking to Broadbeach to see if we can back up.”
In other games Robina City lost 6-0 to Peninsula Power while Coomera lost 4-0 to University of Queensland.
WE DIDN’T PERFORM TO OUR BEST, AT ALL ... SOUTHPORT WERE A LOT STRONGER THAN WE ANTICIPATED BROADBEACH’S GEMMA HICKS