THE Young Lions women’s soccer team refused to let their guard down on the weekend, taking two wins from as many games on home turf.
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The first upset occurred at Gus Smith Oval on Saturday afternoon in the match against competition leaders, Millthorpe.
The visiting team had only lost a single game in the season so far - a streak Young were determined to end.
After a tight game, the Lions secured the victory after a second half goal by Michaela Hall, which took the final score to 1-0.
According to coach Paul Reilly it was a tremendous result for the women that shows how far they have progressed this year.
“It is a privilege to see how the ladies have dedicated themselves to the season and how they have improved their skills and teamwork,” he said.
The win has provided the side with the confidence they need to know they can mix it with the best teams in the competition, and are capable of securing themselves a position in the finals.
Best for Young were Maddison O’Hara, Jemma Long and Hannah Corcoran. Player’s player was awarded to Ashleigh Jonas.
Still buzzing from their win the previous day, the Lions headed into their second match for the weekend on Sunday, this time against CSU Bathurst.
Young began nervously and were unable to score in the first half, but as they have all season, managed to keep the opposition at bay.
Sitting at nil-all at half time it appeared CSU’s resolute defence could prevent Young from making it a perfect weekend.
That was until Lucy Williams took control of the game and banged in two quick goals.
Young continued to hold off the CSU side, with the full-time whistle marking another great win for the Lions who have entrenched themselves at the all important top fourth position on the ladder.
The win has now put a significant gap between Young and the fifth-placed CSU.
But with every high there comes a low, with two key players - Tammi Brewer and Maddison O’Hara - nursing injuries from the weekend.
“We all hope these aren’t serious as they are integral members of the team,” Reilly said.
Best for Young were Rachel Braham, Lucy Williams and Cassandra Edwards. Patricia Dawe was awarded player’s player, deservedly so.
Now with only six games remaining in the season, the side hopes to continue their high standard of play in order to secure themselves a place in the finals.
And with three of the remaining games to be played on home turf, the Lions have vowed to maintain their imposing record of not having had a goal scored against them to date this season.
“It is an achievement the ladies are extremely proud of and will endeavour to protect,” Reilly said.
The next few weeks won’t get any easier for the team who are to take on third-placed Macquarie next Sunday at Millthorpe.