Brown strike takes Gungahlin United to top of NPLW ladder
By: Evelyn Karatzas
Photos: Anthony Caffery Photography
Gungahlin United FC 1 (Ella Brown 45’) defeated Canberra Academy FC 0
A late first-half strike from Ella Brown helped Gungahlin United climb to the top of the NPLW ladder, after defeating Canberra United Academy 1-0 at a drenched Hawker Football Centre.
Despite a cold, wet and windy day in Canberra, Canberra United Academy hosted at Gungahlin United at Hawker Football Centre on Sunday afternoon (26 July).
With both Academy and United coming off the back of impressive wins in Round 1, the match would be crucial for both clubs' aspirations for a top-four spot this season.
A slippery synthetic pitch created a challenge for both teams, especially the goalkeepers, as the ball skipped off the difficult surface.
After a slow start to the match, adrenaline rushed through the crowd as they jumped up cheering for Ella Brown as she scored in the 45th minute, just seconds before half time.
Canberra United Academy continued to push for an equalizer in the second half and had three terrific chances to find the back of the net but was denied by spectacular saves by United's Kailey Tonini and the crossbar.
Gungahlin coach Diego Iglesias said he was very impressed with his side's solid backline.
“It was a really good game and really good performance by both sides," he said. "As the weather deteriorated it got harder and harder to play football but both sides kept going at it.
"The win sets us up well against Monaro and we can try a few different combinations next week. It will allow me to rotate our players and build up the squad."
Despite the loss, Canberra United Academy’s coach Scott O’Donell said he was happy with the girls' performance.
“I was happy with the girl’s performance and the girls worked really hard and they implemented what we have been working on this week," O'Donell said. "We had enough chances to win the game but if you don’t take your chances, you get punished.
"We now need to rebound from this loss when we face Woden Weston. We respect every opposition we play so we will watch their two games and we will have an idea of how they play. They beat us here last year so it is a good challenge for the girls."
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