Auckland United come from behind to win final game in Women’s National League

posted in: News, Women's National League |

A late goal helped Auckland United to a come-from-behind 2-1 win against Central Football in the final fixture of the National Women’s League season.

After trailing to an early goal from Central at their Massey University ground, the Aucklanders delivered a strong second half to get three points which gave them a final league standing of eighth place.

Central took the lead after eight minutes when Maddison Hughes broke clear, turned and chipped a shot from the edge of the area that looped over the head of United ‘keeper Maureen Fitzpatrick.

The home side defended well during the first half and took their 1-0 lead into half-time.

Auckland United started the second half with a shift of gear, and started to put Central under pressure.

In the 57th minute, the visitors had their best chance of the game so far when striker Bree Johnson struck the post and Sophie Williams blasted the rebound over the bar.

Two minutes later, Johnson headed wide when getting on the end of an inswinging corner from Williams.

The pressure finally got to Central and they were lapse in picking up United’s players when defending a corner in the 72nd minute.

Centre back Georgia Martin was presented with a free header which she steered firmly into the net for her first goal of the season.

*Georgia Martin (5) heads United’s equaliser from a corner.*

United’s winner came two minutes from full-time came from another corner.

The corner swung into the goalmouth and under pressure from Johnson and Martin, the ball appeared to be deflected across the goal line off the back of defender Rebekah Trewhitt.

As the game entered stoppage time, Central went close to snatching a draw when a shot from wide on the right drifted to the far post and was scooped clear by United ‘keeper Fitzpatrick.