The Clarence Zebras have claimed a memorable win in the MyState Women's Super League, storming back from a two-goal deficit to beat Launceston United 3-2. The ladder leaders were stunned as United took a 2-0 lead early in the second half at Wentworth Park, but a penalty with 20 minutes remaining kept them close before two goals in the final ten minutes sealed an unlikely victory. Zoe Nichols was the hero, netting the winner with five minutes remaining on the clock.
Both sides eased out of the blocks from the opening whistle, with no clear-cut chances but plenty of forays forward. The Zebras attacking duo of Nichols and Allie Berry loomed dangerously in the final third, and a long-range blast from Nichols that flew over the crossbar was a warning shot to the defence. The Launceston goalkeeper was quick to react to any danger, though, and Jess Robinson began to threaten at the other end with a speculative effort of her own.
That rangefinder was all Robinson needed, as she scored a stunning opening goal just five minutes later. After receiving a pass well outside the area she took a touch forward past a lunging tackle, steadied, and hit a shot that rocketed into the top corner and well out of reach of the Zebras goalkeeper.
As is so often the case, drawing first blood sparked the visitors into action as they pressed for a second in quick succession. The Zebras defence held firm, though, and half time arrived with no further score. Launceston were certainly on top in the contest, and they found further reward shortly after the restart with their second goal. A steady build-up from the left saw them work their way forward, and a bursting run through the midfield from Gonya Luate was rewarded with a pass into space. With defenders closing in from either side, she hit a shot that again gave the goalkeeper no chance as it flew into the top corner.
Having come from behind plenty already this season, Clarence doubled their efforts and searched for a goal to keep the contest alive. Their constant pressure paid off when, with 20 minutes remaining in the game, a 50-50 contest on the right side of the area saw both players go down in a messy tangle of legs. The referee pointed to the spot, much to the delight of the home fans, and Selina Steventon stepped up to take the spot kick. Her shot took a touch from the hand of the goalkeeper, but it had enough power to sneak past and into the back of the net.
With all of the momentum suddenly on their side, and against an opponent desperately in need of a win, the Zebras continued to pile on the pressure. Launceston held firm right up until the final ten minutes, when the hosts struck again to finally draw level. A cross from deep on the right curled towards a pack of players at the back post, where it was allowed to bounce further goalward. Somewhere in the mess came a touch from Olivia Leon, and that was enough to scramble the ball over the line for the equaliser.
The killer blow came less than five minutes later, and just five minutes from full-time. Launceston tried to play the ball short from a goal kick, but the forward press of the Zebras forced a turnover deep in attack. A squaring ball from the left of the penalty area found Nichols in space, and she calmly side-footed a shot in at the near post to give her side a lead that, barely half an hour prior, has looked impossible.
That would prove to be the defining goal as the final whistle came soon after, giving the Zebras a 3-2 win to extend their lead at the top of the WSL table. They will host the Devonport Strikers next round for the chance to further build on that buffer, while Launceston will look to regroup and bounce back against Kingborough.