Northern Rovers have gained ground on finals rivals Western Springs after a couple of oh-so-close games in Saturday’s round of Women’s National League fixtures.
Rovers beat local rivals Auckland United 3-2 while second-placed Western Springs dropped two points when they conceded in added time to finish 1-1 at Southern United.
Main photo: Northern Rovers players are jubilant after a Kelli Brown goal. Photo: Joan Grey.
Here’s the round-up of Saturday’s games:
Brown double give Rovers a boost
A double by Kelli Brown helped Northern Rovers to a crucial 3-2 win against Auckland United at McFetridge Park.
The win was important as Rovers need to catch second-placed Western Springs in their quest for a place in next month’s Grand Final.
Rovers got off to a decent start when United’s Emma Leaning was credited with an own goal after only five minutes.
Manaia Elliott got United level in the 11th minute and her fellow age group international team mate Ruby Nathan put the visitors ahead just before the break.
Turning round with United ahead 2-1, Brown kicked into action, scoring in the 52nd and 67th minutes to put Rovers ahead.
That’s how it stayed and as news filtered through that Spring had dropped two points in Dunedin, the Rovers tilt at the title definitely looks back on track.
Photo gallery
Photographer Joan Grey was the game — here’s some of the action. Please click on image to open to full size:
Late leveller spoils southern trip for Springs
Western Springs’ 2,800km round-trip to Dunedin was spoiled in stoppage time as Southern United salvaged a 1-1 draw.
After a goalless first half, Sofia Garcia put the Aucklanders ahead in the 51st minute.
As the game went into added time, Jasmine Prince found an equaliser.
After winning their first six games of the season, Springs have taken only two points from a possible nine in their last three games.
With Northern Rovers breathing down their necks, Springs will need to find winning form again, and soon.
Results
Games played on Saturday November 5, 2022
Northern Rovers 3 (own goal 5′, Kelli Brown 52′, 67′)
Auckland United 2 (Manaia Elliott 11′, Ruby Nathan 44′)
Southern United 1 (Jasmine Prince 90+1′)
Western Springs 1 (Sofia Garcia 51′)
Standings
Fixtures
Games to be played on Sunday November 6, 2022
Central Football v Canterbury United Pride
Massey University, Palmerston North, 11.45am
Eastern Suburbs v Capital Football
Madills Farm, St Heliers, 1.30pm
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