Belconnen United make it six in a row with road win

By Mitchell Keenan

Belconnen United extended their lead at the top of the NPL Women’s table on Sunday as Maddy Whittall’s first half brace gave them a 2-0 win over Gungahlin United.

Gungahlin played host to Belconnen, looking to pry an upset off the dominant Blues at Nicholls Enclosed Oval. The home side was looking to bounce back from a resounding loss to Canberra FC, while the visitors were looking to make it six straight wins. 

Belconnen started the game at high intensity, working the ball well through the middle and creating space in behind the Gungahlin backline. The hosts looked to retaliate on the counter attack with the pacey Ashleigh Palombi and Alex Lawrence looking sharp

The Blue Devils struck early, as the league’s top scorer Whittall was quick to react to a loose ball in the box after a corner, and found the ball at her feet to slot home after 5 minutes.

Gungahlin continued to apply pressure on the break, but Diego Iglesias’ side could not break down the Belconnen defensive line.

The home side doubled their lead in the 27th minute, after Gungahlin’s Najwa Allen failed to control a pass under the pressure of Whittall and the sharp shooter made no mistake, slotting home calmly past Sophie Rolfe and bagging a brace. 

The Blue Devils were unlucky not to go up 3 on the cusp of half time, as Ellie Raymond leapt to win the header from a corner, only to be denied by the crossbar.

A change of tactics for the second half saw Iglesias call upon the fresh legs of dangerous winger Brittany Palombi, and the change gave the home side further confidence on the counter attack.

The second period saw a much more end-to-end affair, as Gungahlin were eager to claw their way back into the game while Belconnen were keen to extend their lead.

Hunger from both sides lead to aggression, as the opponents started to put more into challenges and the game turned into a fiery encounter

Gungahlin were unlucky not to pinch a goal back in the 71st minute, after Belconnen failed to clear from a set piece, but the golden opportunity was desperately met by the head of Allen who fired inches wide.

Gungahlin pressed on against a strong Belconnen defensive unit, but the league leaders held onto a first half lead to see the game out and secure a hard-fought three points.

Gungahlin will look to bounce back against an in-form Woden Weston FC who will be brimming with confidence from a tight win against the Canberra United Academy, while Belconnen will be keen to pick up a win against resurgent Tuggeranong United who earned a convincing win over Canberra FC on Sunday.




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