Pride continue strong start

A Monique Barker hat-trick has helped Canterbury United Pride continue their hot start in the National Women’s Football League.

The striker had her side up within two minutes against Waikato-Bay of Plenty at English Park in Christchurch on Saturday, and they never looked back from there, easing to a 6-0 win.

Gabi Rennie, Jayda Stewart and captain Annalie Longo were the others on the scoresheet as the Pride made it two wins from two at home to start the season.

Capital were the other team in the winner’s circle this weekend, scoring four goals in the second half to thump Central 5-0 on the road at Massey University in Palmerston North.

Meisha Boone put Capital ahead 10 minutes into the match, but they couldn’t grow their lead until after halftime, where they were finally able to break through the home side’s stiff resistance.

Emma Main doubled their lead two minutes into the second spell, while captain Sarah Gregorius had a brace and Charlotte Wilford-Carroll also got in on the action.

After sitting out the first week, Northern Lights began their campaign against Southern United in Auckland yesterday.

There was plenty of firepower on hand for both teams, but neither could find the back of the net.

Northern had the better chances and forced several last-ditch clearances from the Southern defence, led by captain Mikaela Hunt.

Southern came into the game more in the second half, but had to settle for heading home with a point.

The pick of next weekend’s matches comes on Saturday, when Capital host Northern at Memorial Park in Petone.

Coming off the bye, Auckland face a long trip down south next Sunday to play Southern at Tahuna Park in Dunedin, while Central host the Pride at Massey University the same day, and WaiBop get the weekend off.