Point against Northern sign of improvement

THE Southern United women have emerged with something they were unable to get last year — a point in the North Island.

That came via a 00 draw against Northern in Auckland, Southern moving to four points to remain second in the national women’s league.

An away point against a strong team is always valuable.

However, it is yet another sign of improvement from this team.

Last year’s side, which made the playoffs for the first time, was beaten comfortably in all three of its North Island games — twice against weaker opposition.

Yesterday’s one builds on the 61 win the side claimed over Central in its seasonopener.

Indeed, its value was not lost on Southern coach Ignacio Sande.

‘‘We’re always happy to get a point away, and against Northern, who are one of the top teams in the league,’’ he said.

‘‘But we have a long way to go and a lot of things to improve moving forward.’’

It was a tough first half for Southern, which did well to keep the host out.

Sande said the side struggled with how to press Northern up front and the host moved the ball well.

However, it remained compact at the back to ensure no damage was done.

Northern looked to have gone one up in the 28th minute.

Dayna Stevens put the ball in the back of the net after being set up by Maggie Jenkins, but was called back when Jenkins was ruled offside.

Southern had its best foray into opposition territory in the 39th minute, when Georgia Brown put in a low cross.

The threat was negated, though, the cross cleared by Nicole Stratford.

Southern made some tactical changes at halftime and it began to look more threatening.

Lara Wall in particular showed her pace to do damage and help Southern create several chances.

However, the Northern defence held strong.

Southern had to withstand plenty of pressure in the last 10 minutes. Northern launched several attacks into the its box, getting the ball straight back every time one was negated.

The defence scrambled well, though, and goalkeeper Jordan Woodward pulled off several good saves to keep her goal intact.

While Sande said the side deserved the point, he felt there was still plenty of room for improvement.

‘‘Mainly just understanding that all the games are going to be different.

‘‘We’re playing different places, different styles and different formations. We have to adapt to the way the other team is playing so we have to understand how to press them and how to control the game.’’

In other games, Canterbury United went to the top of the table with a 60 win over WaiBOP, while Capital claimed a 50 win over Central to avenge its firstup loss.

The Southern United men lost their preseason match against Canterbury United 41.

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