Northern Rovers moved to within a whisker of clinching the Lotto NRFL’s Womens Premier League title with a 2-1 win against nearest rivals Auckland United at a floodlit Becroft Park.
The Thursday night game brought together the two top teams in the competition, with United needing to end Rovers’ 15-match unbeaten run to stop their march to the title.
Instead, Rovers came from a goal behind at half-time to stretch their undefeated run to 16 games.
Bree Johnson set the game alight when she gave Rovers the lead after only eight minutes.
Rovers could not find a way back until striker Leanna Ryan levelled for the homes side after 62 minutes.
With the game seemingly destined for a draw, Michaela Foster grabbed the winner four minutes into added time, with her ninth goal of the season.
The intensity of the match was evidenced by six yellow cards — three to each side.
Rovers have taken 46 points from a possible 48 and can make sure of the title on Sunday if they take at least a point from their game with West Coast Rangers.
Main photo: Michaela Foster (right) … another vital goal for Rovers. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.
Result
Game played on Thursday August 4, 2022
Northern Rovers 2 (Leanna Ryan 62′, Michaela Foster 90+4′)
Auckland United 1 (Bree Johnson 8′)
Standings
Fixtures
Games to be played on Sunday August 7, 2022
Auckland United (2nd) v Hamilton Wanderers (7th)
Keith Hay Park, Mt Roskill
1pm kick-off
Northern Rovers (1st) v West Coast Rangers (6th)
McFetridge Park, Auckland
1pm kick-off
Western Springs (4th) v Tauranga City (8th)
Seddon fields, Auckland
2.30 pm kick-off
Ellerslie (5th) v Eastern Suburbs (3rd)
Michaels Ave Reserve, Auckland
3pm kick-off
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