A loss by second-placed Western Springs has opened the gate for Northern Rovers to advance to the Grand Final of the Women’s National League.
Springs lost 3-2 to Capital Football, a result that could see them needing to beat leaders Eastern Suburbs when they meet on December 9.
It also means Rovers can move to within two points of Springs with a win against Eastern Suburbs on Sunday.
Main photo: Capital’s Renee Bacon scores the winner from the penalty spot against Western Springs.
Here’s our round-up of Saturday’s matches:
Bacon the key in 3-2 win for Capital against Springs
Capital’s Renee Bacon was at the centre of the action as her side toppled high-flying Western Springs 3-2 at the Petone Memorial Park.
Bacon scored twice, including the game’s winning goal, and was credited with an own goal in often-windy conditions.
Capital started confidently and took the lead in the second minute when Springs gave away possession in midfield and Bacon fired home the resulting through ball.
Springs levelled in the 18th minute when a corner went into the Capital net off Bacon, back to help out her defenders.
The sides turned around at 1-1.
The Aucklanders took the lead four minutes after the break when Arisa Takeda crossed to the near post for Lara Colpi to turn into the goal.
Capital levelled in the 56th minute when Lena De Ronde scored the goal of the game. Taking possession on the edge of the area, she turned her defender and let fly with a thunderous shot into the roof of the net.
The turning point in the game came in the 67th minute when Nicola Ross dribbled into the Springs box and was tripped by Sophia Dyer. Referee Lindsey Robinson didn’t hesitate and pointed to the spot.
Bacon stepped up and sent ‘keeper Angelique Tuisamoa the wrong way, scoring what turned out to be the game’s winning goal.
Springs tried desperately to find a late equaliser, with Rina Hirano having a clear chance in stoppage time, but volleying wide of the goal.
Pride overrun Auckland United
A Charlotte Roche hat-trick led Canterbury United Pride’s impressive 7-2 win against Auckland United at English Park.
The home side always had the advantage over United and they overran the visitors in the second half, after leading 2-1 at the break.
Roche opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a clinical finish after running clear of the United defence.
United striker Bree Johnson levelled in the 22nd minute when she was left unmarked and was able to steady herself to shoot home from 12 metres.
Roche doubled Pride’s lead in the 28th minute when she beat the visiting ‘keeper to the ball at the edge of the area, and toe-poked it into the net.
Early in the second half, United goalkeeper Aimee Feinberg-Danieli had to go off, due to a concussion issue, forcing the side to replace her with outfield player Maya Vince.
The home side went 3-1 up in the 63rd minute when United’s Georgia Brown was credited with an own goal.
Substitute Charlotte Mortlock then injected more energy into Pride’s attack, scoring two goals in a six-minute spell.
For her first, after 70 minutes, Mortlock ran 40 metres with the ball before carefully slipping it past the ‘keeper.
Her next effort, in the 76th minute, saw her bravely commit to the ball at the same time as the ‘keeper at the edge of the area. As Mortlock toppled in the collision, the ball trickled towards the goal and beat a defender across the line.
Frankie Morrow made it 7-1 to the Pride as the game went into added time.
But United didn’t give up and Ruby Nathan was able to score a consolation goal just before the final whistle.
Results
Games played on Saturday November 26, 2022
Capital Football 3 (Renee Bacon 2′, 68′ pen, Lena De Ronde 56′)
Western Springs 2 (own goal 18′, Lara Colpi 49′)
Canterbury United Pride 7 (Charlotte Roche 15′, 28′, 82′, own goal 63′, Charlotte Mortlock 70′, 76′, Frankie Morrow 90′)
Auckland United 2 (Bree Johnson 22′, Ruby Nathan 90’+6′)
Standings
Fixtures
Games to be played on Sunday November 27, 2022
Central Football v Southern United
Massey University, Palmerston North, 12pm
Eastern Suburbs v Northern Rovers
Riverhills Park, Pakuranga, 1pm
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