A second-half Danielle Gunton strike and some impressive defending helped Launceston United to their third win in a row, overcoming a stubborn Taroona lineup 1-0 at Kelvedon Park. United had all of the play in the first half without any reward, and while the home side had their chances it was Gunton that pounced to claim the winner just after half-time.
United certainly looked the more confident side from the opening kick-off, and they spent the bulk of the opening portion of the game in their attacking half. Taroona goalkeeper Isolina Ottavi was called into action early, springing off her line to make a reflex save less than five minutes in, but that and a handful of corners were all that Launceston could produce through the first 20 minutes.
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Photo: Solstice Digital[/caption]
The visitors pressed high to keep Taroona from escaping their defence, though, and the reward for that effort started to appear. Jess Robinson looked to have been played in behind the defence just before the half-hour mark, but her shot on a bouncing ball skewed high and wide. Teammate Danielle Gunton had her first chance shortly after, with a strike from the edge of the box curling over the top of the crossbar.
Taroona started to work their way into the game through the rest of the half, with a quick breakway down the right and a brilliant pass from Eli Cropp creating their first real chances of the game. They too were unable to trouble the scorers, though, as the game reached the interval still in a goalless deadlock.
The teams emerged for the second half into much more challenging conditions, with a blustery wind and constant rain setting in during the break. That didn't slow Launceston's momentum, and Gunton fired a warning shot five minutes after the restart. After receiving a pass at the top of the penalty area, she turned and hit a stinging effort that flew just off target.
That was clearly the range finder that Gunton needed, as she made no mistake just one minute later to put her side ahead. Karla Jones sent a long pass from the right towards the top of the area, and it fell to Gunton with a defender close on her back. Using strength to hold off her marker, she turned and hit a shot across the face of goal that beat Ottavi and nestled into the bottom corner to give United a well-earned lead.
[caption id="attachment_17354" align="aligncenter" width="615"]
Photo: Solstice Digital[/caption]
Taroona very nearly hit back just moments later as Cropp executed a smooth turn through the Launceston defence, but her shot was well saved low by Sydney Carnie. The home side managed to earn more possession as they chased an equaliser, but their frequent long passes over the top were too easily collected by the Launceston goalkeeper.
That saw the game crawl towards the finish line with few clear-cut chances, as United protected their lead and claimed an important three points. They will now enjoy a bye in round 17, while Taroona face a tough trip to Devonport and a clash with the Strikers.
Photo: Solstice Digital[/caption]
The visitors pressed high to keep Taroona from escaping their defence, though, and the reward for that effort started to appear. Jess Robinson looked to have been played in behind the defence just before the half-hour mark, but her shot on a bouncing ball skewed high and wide. Teammate Danielle Gunton had her first chance shortly after, with a strike from the edge of the box curling over the top of the crossbar.
Taroona started to work their way into the game through the rest of the half, with a quick breakway down the right and a brilliant pass from Eli Cropp creating their first real chances of the game. They too were unable to trouble the scorers, though, as the game reached the interval still in a goalless deadlock.
The teams emerged for the second half into much more challenging conditions, with a blustery wind and constant rain setting in during the break. That didn't slow Launceston's momentum, and Gunton fired a warning shot five minutes after the restart. After receiving a pass at the top of the penalty area, she turned and hit a stinging effort that flew just off target.
That was clearly the range finder that Gunton needed, as she made no mistake just one minute later to put her side ahead. Karla Jones sent a long pass from the right towards the top of the area, and it fell to Gunton with a defender close on her back. Using strength to hold off her marker, she turned and hit a shot across the face of goal that beat Ottavi and nestled into the bottom corner to give United a well-earned lead.
[caption id="attachment_17354" align="aligncenter" width="615"] Photo: Solstice Digital[/caption]
Taroona very nearly hit back just moments later as Cropp executed a smooth turn through the Launceston defence, but her shot was well saved low by Sydney Carnie. The home side managed to earn more possession as they chased an equaliser, but their frequent long passes over the top were too easily collected by the Launceston goalkeeper.
That saw the game crawl towards the finish line with few clear-cut chances, as United protected their lead and claimed an important three points. They will now enjoy a bye in round 17, while Taroona face a tough trip to Devonport and a clash with the Strikers.