Diamond's Rosie Wild is fouled for the second penalty of the day (photo TJF Photos)
POINTS SHARED IN TOP OF THE TABLE THRILLER
Monday 27 July2020
Words Dave Webster \ WUAFC Media
Photo TJF Photos
There were three penalties, two wonder goals and one point apiece for the teams leading the way in the 2020 W-League, Wellington United and Palmerston North Marist. when they met at Palmerston North's Memorial Park on Saturday.
It was Wellington United who made the early running and opened the scoring when Jemma Robertson's pace proved too much for ex Diamond Sam Woolley who made a late tackle giving the ref no option but to point to the spot. Robertson had no problem slotting the resultant penalty. It wasn't all United though and Marist pulled a goal back just four minutes later through Georgie Furnell.
The first of two wonder goals came in the 28th minute when Diamond's Jemma Catherwood cut in from the right and launched a shot from outside the penalty area which dipped in to the top lefthand corner. She almost had a second a couple of minutes later with a very similar shot but this one didn't dip enough and went out for a goal kick.
It was a tight contest being played manly around the midfield. Diamonds got a rare corner and Sarah Alder's corner hit the crossbar and bounced into the six yard area, in the melee that followed Rosie Wild was bringing the ball under control when she was pushed to the ground and Diamonds had their second penalty of the day. Again Jemma Robertson cooly slotted the spot kick away and Diamonds took a two goal lead in to half time.
They say two goals is a dangerous lead to have and so it proved for Diamonds. They had their chances to increase the lead but were unable to get the ball over the line for a fourth goal. They were however controlling the game especially in the midfield where the outstanding Charlotte Wilford Carroll was bossing the game. As the game went on, while Diamonds weren't converting their chances, Marist weren't really threatening the Diamonds goal. With about seven minutes to go The third penalty of the day was awarded, this time to Marist and captain Michaela Boxall made the score 3-2. This was the spark Marist needed and they started pressing for an equaliser. With just two minutes to go Charlotte Lancaster managed to make some space for herself on the left wing and from about 25 meters out hit a high shot which found its way in to the top right hand corner and made the score 3-3.
Diamonds manager on the day, Sandy Cumpstone, said "While it was disappointing to concede two late goals, it was still a great game and to get a point away at Palmerston North Marist was important. We are extremely proud of the way the team played and the football that they display. The Diamonds still sit atop of the table so although we didn't gain points over Palmy, nor did they over us. It should set up a grandstand finish of course which is exciting for the league. Our ladies have been in this position last year overcoming the Wairarapa with a superior goal difference; and I have no doubt of the hunger that they have to repeat this result in 2020. With a couple of players returning from injury in the coming weeks; namely Kelsey Wilkinson and Natalie Olson, there is a healthy competition in the squad and I really look forward to following their journey for the remainder of the season".
Ends
MATCH DETAILS
Women's W-League
Memorial Park, Palmerston North
Saturday 25 July 2020
Palmerston North Marist (1) 3 (Georgie Furnell, Michaela Boxall (PEN), Charlotte Lancaster)
Wellington United Diamonds (3) 3 (Jemma Robertson 2 (2 PENS), Jemma Catherwood)
It was Wellington United who made the early running and opened the scoring when Jemma Robertson's pace proved too much for ex Diamond Sam Woolley who made a late tackle giving the ref no option but to point to the spot. Robertson had no problem slotting the resultant penalty. It wasn't all United though and Marist pulled a goal back just four minutes later through Georgie Furnell.
The first of two wonder goals came in the 28th minute when Diamond's Jemma Catherwood cut in from the right and launched a shot from outside the penalty area which dipped in to the top lefthand corner. She almost had a second a couple of minutes later with a very similar shot but this one didn't dip enough and went out for a goal kick.
It was a tight contest being played manly around the midfield. Diamonds got a rare corner and Sarah Alder's corner hit the crossbar and bounced into the six yard area, in the melee that followed Rosie Wild was bringing the ball under control when she was pushed to the ground and Diamonds had their second penalty of the day. Again Jemma Robertson cooly slotted the spot kick away and Diamonds took a two goal lead in to half time.
They say two goals is a dangerous lead to have and so it proved for Diamonds. They had their chances to increase the lead but were unable to get the ball over the line for a fourth goal. They were however controlling the game especially in the midfield where the outstanding Charlotte Wilford Carroll was bossing the game. As the game went on, while Diamonds weren't converting their chances, Marist weren't really threatening the Diamonds goal. With about seven minutes to go The third penalty of the day was awarded, this time to Marist and captain Michaela Boxall made the score 3-2. This was the spark Marist needed and they started pressing for an equaliser. With just two minutes to go Charlotte Lancaster managed to make some space for herself on the left wing and from about 25 meters out hit a high shot which found its way in to the top right hand corner and made the score 3-3.
Diamonds manager on the day, Sandy Cumpstone, said "While it was disappointing to concede two late goals, it was still a great game and to get a point away at Palmerston North Marist was important. We are extremely proud of the way the team played and the football that they display. The Diamonds still sit atop of the table so although we didn't gain points over Palmy, nor did they over us. It should set up a grandstand finish of course which is exciting for the league. Our ladies have been in this position last year overcoming the Wairarapa with a superior goal difference; and I have no doubt of the hunger that they have to repeat this result in 2020. With a couple of players returning from injury in the coming weeks; namely Kelsey Wilkinson and Natalie Olson, there is a healthy competition in the squad and I really look forward to following their journey for the remainder of the season".
Ends
MATCH DETAILS
Women's W-League
Memorial Park, Palmerston North
Saturday 25 July 2020
Palmerston North Marist (1) 3 (Georgie Furnell, Michaela Boxall (PEN), Charlotte Lancaster)
Wellington United Diamonds (3) 3 (Jemma Robertson 2 (2 PENS), Jemma Catherwood)
