The Macarthur Rams made it four straight wins with a hard fought 1-0 victory over NWS Spirit at Christie Park on Sunday evening.
It was wet, it was cold, but Bronte Trew found the ice breaker with a second half strike to secure all three points for the Rams in Round 18 of the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition.
After a nervous start from both sides, it was the home team with two quick opportunities.
Morgan Roberts found space twice on the right side, the first time Teresa Morrisey was quickly off her line to thwart her, the second, the pacey winger unable to connect with her volley well.
As the game moved into the final 15 minutes of the first half, the chances started flowing.
Shortly after it was the Rams’ turn, India Breier finding space inside the box, instead of firing away on her left, she took a touch and allowed the Spirit defence to close her down.
After an even first 45 minutes, the Rams came out in full force.
First Beth Gordon’s lobber was saved by Offer, the rebound fell to Brown who had her shot well blocked.
Breier then had an opportunity, this time taking her effort on the left, only to slide it wide of the target.
What could have been the goal of the season, the Rams went extremely close.
It was a fine team move which saw combinations by Miku Sunaga, Darcey Malone, Breier and Kelli Brown, the latter sending her volley just wide of the goal.
Against the run of play, Spirit had a good opportunity to hit the front from a free kick in a good position, only for Sarah Morgan to send her effort well over that bar.
A minute later the visitors went at it again, this time right back Tegan Bertolissio went on a run and had a go with the left, her effort spraying inches wide of the far post.
Three minutes after that opportunity, the Rams had the lead and the three points, as it turned out.
Trew received the ball on an acute angle on the right, she sent her effort goalwards which beat Offer and crept into the bottom far corner.
Picture courtesy of Football NSW.
