Words: Matt Dorman

Souths United Women ended their season in the best possible manner with a 4-2 win over Moreton Bay United Women Wakerley Park on Thursday.

Just four days after an away defeat to the same opposition, Souths bounced back at home to notch their first points of the campaign.

The hosts made a perfect start to their final catch-up fixture by shooting ahead 2-0 inside almost as many minutes.

Striker Renee Montgomery began the early ambush, finishing into the bottom corner from just inside the area for an early opener.

Isabella Christensen doubled Souths’ advantage less than a minute later when she tapped home Brianna Phillips’ low cross from the left, in the process equalling the side’s best scoring return of the season.

Moreton Bay entered the match searching for a second straight win and Pamela Kennard breathed life into that effort midway through the half.

The forward halved the deficit by finishing inside the near post for her third in two games.

Souths had the chance to restore their two-goal lead before the break when Montgomery was fouled inside the area, but Kate Lawson sent the resultant penalty over the crossbar.

While the score remained 2-1 at the interval, the home side didn’t have to wait long for a third.

Montgomery capped a run down the right with a chipped finish for her team-high fourth of 2015 and more breathing room for Souths.

After Kennard came close to cutting the margin once more, Jets did pull another back in the 64^th minute through Sascha Fournel’s powerful low shot.

An injury reduced the visitors to 10 players for the latter stages and Souths took full advantage thanks to Lawson, who capitalised on a turnover by firing high into the net to complete the landmark 4-2 win.

Souths’ first three points mean their inaugural PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland season concludes on a high note, while Jets have a trip to Western Pride Women on Sunday still to come.

Speaking after the match, Souths technical director Paul Lonton attributed the result to successful execution of training plans.

“They did it with confidence, they did it with a bit of humour (and) they enjoyed themselves. It was great to see them play that way and it will do them the world of good for next year,” Lonton said.

Jets coach Gary Ellis felt finishing proved the difference.

“I don’t think the score reflects how close the game was. Credit to Souths, they created a handful of chances and put four way and we just weren’t as clinical as that,” Ellis said.

Souths United FC Women 4 (Renee MONTGOMERY 2’, 50’ Isabella CHRISTENSEN 3’ Kate LAWSON 77’)
Moreton Bay United FC Women 2 (Pamela KENNARD 26’ Sascha FOURNEL 64’)