NPLW Rd 5: The Gap vs. Souths United

Match Report: Gap Women’s Vs Souths United Walton Bridge Reserve – 6:15pm kick off By Joshua Martin The Gap Women’s NPL side have walked away with the three points in their top of the table clash with Souths United, winning two goals to nil. The first half at Walton Bridge Reserve was a stalemate with limited chances falling for either side, and the steamy conditions stretched the teams physically. The Gap game out of the break with a resolve to attack and an error by the Souths keeper, fumbling a long-range shot, gave the Gators the advantage. Seasoned Gap captain Ruth Blackburn had no trouble converting a penalty later in the half, after an erred tackle was committed in the box. The result means the Gap go ahead of Souths on the ladder into first place with a game in hand. Key Moments - 22’ – CHANCE GAP – Hayley Riccardi dribbles around a Souths defender and is brought down 30-yards out. Ruth Blackburn’s free kick curls to the right but is caught by a diving Souths goalie Chloe Cole. 26’ – CHANCE SOUTHS – Billie Murphy received the ball in space just outside the 18-yard box, she finesses her shot but it is caught by Noran Abaza. 57’ – CHANCE GAP – Tiarne Petterwood lobs a cross to the back of the box that falls at the feet of Charli McLennan scuffs her shot and it’s caught by the goalie. 59’ – GOAL GAP – Kaitlyn Winter sailed a cross in from the right wing into the hands of Souths keeper Chloe Cole who fumbled the ball and let it bounce it the net. 75’ – GOAL GAP – A Gap player was brought down from behind inside the pox and a penalty given. Captain Ruth Blackburn stepped up and buried the shot into the bottom right hand corner giving the Souths keeper no chance.