Raap leaves it late to seal deal for Wanderers
Gungahlin United 0 def. by Woden-Weston 1 (Lotta Raap 90+’)
An injury time goal from Lotta Raap gave Woden-Weston a 1-0 win over Gungahlin United on Sunday and put them five points clear of Tuggeranong in the fourth finals spot/
Raap’s winner came at the end of an evenly matched encounter where both sides squandered chances throughout.
It was a cagey opening at Gungahlin Enclosed with both teams showing signs of tiredness after their cup matches on Thursday Night, and both sides struggled to open up the match.
Natalie De Marco found herself with space at the back post after 13 minutes but could not connect with the lofted free kick send her way, before Rachel Crittenden missed a golden chance for the visitors two minutes later as she dragged her shot just wide of Eleni Haridemos’ goal.
Fatigue was an issue for the hosts after their extra-time efforts against Belconnen on Thursday night, and Diego Iglesias’ side looked to hang onto the ball as much as possible to avoid a running match with the Wanderers.
Ella Brown was brought on early in the match and had an almost instant impact as she forced a botched clearance and nearly fired it home, but Haridemos was equal to the task as she stuck out a leg
With the match goalless at the break the opportunity was there for both sides to come out firing, and the hosts came close just two minutes in as Maddy Perceval connected sweetly with a volley from a corner but fizzed it narrowly wide.
Gungahlin began to impose themselves and Darby Whiteley thought she had given her side the lead in the 67th minute, but her finish across Nat Lacey hit the upright and bounced back directly along the goal line into the grateful arms of Lacey.
And that miss would haunt United in the first minute of stoppage time as Raap was sent racing through on goal and kept her cool to tuck home past the rushing Haridemos and under pressure from a defender.
The win leaves Woden-Weston five points clear of Gungahlin ahead of a meeting with them next weekend, while Gungahlin’s clash with the Canberra United Academy is to be rescheduled, giving them a valuable week off.
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.