Penalty prize for Redbacks
Report by Ben Somerford
Northern Redbacks players congratulate Georgia Cawley on her equaliser
Northern Redbacks have booked their spot in the 2020 NPLWA Finals Series decider after dramatically upsetting league champions Murdoch University Melville 5-4 on penalties.
The semi-final finished 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra-time at Murdoch University on Thursday night, before youngster Poppie Hooks blazed over in the shootout.
Subsequently Redbacks teenager Andreia Teixeira coolly stepped up to convert the decisive spot-kick to seal a 5-4 victory and a place in the Grand Final against Fremantle City on Sunday afternoon.
Fremantle thumped Perth SC 6-1 in the other semi.
Murdoch, who claimed the NPLWA Women’s title a fortnight ago by a sizeable margin, had the better of the chances but were guilty of failing to capitalize on their good work.
The hosts took the lead early in the second half from a Sadie Lawrence header, but the visitors hit back within five minutes, when Georgia Cawley swept home.
Earlier, YouTube sensation Katarina Jukic came close in the 19th minute after a tame shot which Redbacks keeper Morgan Aquino spilled but regathered as it crept towards the line.
Jukic had the best of the first-half chances, volleying at Aquino in the 32nd minute and heading wide from the lively Ellie La Monte’s corner.
The hosts deservedly took the lead in the 50th minute when Lawrence’s deflected header from Thalia Organ’s corner beat Aquino.
The Redbacks responded quickly, with Murdoch keeper Danelle Gornish fumbling a cross from the industrious Lauren Continibali, allowing Cawley to fire home a loose ball via a slight deflection.
The visitors had a penalty shout waved away on the hour mark when Larissa Walsh went down under pressure from Baxter Thew, while La Monte fired a skidding shot wide shortly after.
There was a lengthy delay after a nasty late injury to Redbacks substitute Emily McMurdo before the game went to extra-time where both sides were visibly fatigued, with Aquino making two stops from La Monte and Jaynee Gibbons to send it to penalties.
With Murdoch leading the shoot-out 2-1, there was drama when Cornish saved Cawley’s spot-kick only to be yellow carded for leaving her line early, with the retaken penalty converted.
At 3-3, Hooks stepped up but fired a powerful drive over. Both sides traded penalties before Teixeira confirmed the win, sending Cornish the wrong way from the spot.
- Northern Redbacks also qualified for the final of the NPLWA 23s following a penalty shoot-out victory over Hyundai NTC. They will face Fremantle City in Sunday's decider. Fremantle beat Perth SC 3-0 in their semi-final.
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.