Impressive display ends winless streak
THERE were tears of joy as the Southern United women ended a fouryear winless streak yesterday.
The team put on an impressive display to beat Auckland 32 in its national women’s football league opener at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
The side had the upper hand for the majority of the game, but Auckland stayed in touch and it took an 84th minute goal to give Southern the win.
That came to striker Renee Bacon, who pounced after Auckland goal keeper Nadia Olla fumbled a cross from Shontelle Smith.
Just the second win of the past decade and the first since 201213, it was a meaningful result for Southern and coach Terry Parle said it was huge boost.
‘‘The girls are buzzing. Look at them — you’ve just got to look at the smiles on their faces, the happiness,’’ he said.
‘‘What it gives them is the belief that they can compete against the rest of the country. That’s important, not just for them but for the growth of football in this area.’’
Southern dominated possession, proving dangerous playing the ball out from the back and creating chances through the midfield.
In Eleanor Isaac, Elise MamanuGray and Shontelle Smith it had a trio which constantly threatened, while Bacon became prominent in the second half.
Meanwhile, Mikaela Hunt put some nice balls ahead from the back, while goal keeper Tessa Nicol made a series of top saves.
Parle was thrilled with the result, but even happier with the performance.
‘‘We sold to the girls that we had a game plan and the girls understood that game plan and within that game plan they were able to make their own decisions.
‘‘Because of that it’s got a good structure and with that structure and a good process, we’ve got a result.’’
After dominating much of the early play Southern took a 10 lead in the 32nd minute, as Smith buried a penalty in the right side of the net.
That came after she had twice been denied by the crossbar on free kicks, while a third had sailed just over.
Auckland hit back straight after the break through Stephanie Skilton, who finished well with her left foot after the Southern defence broke down.
A brilliant finish from Isaac 10 minutes later gave Southern back the lead, as she got on the end of a long free kick from Hunt.
Oneonone with Olla, Isaac was able to lob the ball over the keeper and, after what seemed like an age, it came down to fall in the goal.
There could have been another five minutes later, when Isaac was brought down in the box after a cross from Bacon.
No penalty was given though, Auckland perhaps catching a lucky break.
Southern would have been feeling even more aggrieved when Jacqueline Hand scrambled one into the back of the net four minutes later to equalise for Auckland.
But it was Southern that finished better, with Kelsey Kennard being denied by the post, before Bacon scored the winner a minute later.
Meanwhile Southern had a promising start to its national men’s youth league campaign, claiming a 11 draw with Auck land City at Tahuna Park.
Southern trailed 10 after a penalty in the third minute, but created plenty of chances and drew level with an own goal just before the break.