The Olympia Warriors took a step closer to securing the 2020 Women's Super League title with a 2-0 over Ulverstone at Warrior Park.
Bonnie Davies once again led the charge, scoring the opener early and sparking the attack for Cane to add the buffer. The visitors kept the Warriors at bay for a second half shut out, but weren't enough of a threat in attack to cast any doubt on the result.
The gauntlet was thrown down early by Olympia, who began the match on full throttle. The warning signs were there with a blocked effort taken by Innocent Michael in the second minute. Hope up the other end cut through the early chances, with a moment of 3v3 after Febey Mitchell’s intercept allowed Eli Cropp to run at the last line of defenders. However, Olympia stamped their authority on the game soon after.
On the second time of asking, a footrace between Davies and Georgia Burley was won by the forward. The ball played behind the defence saw hesitation between the Ulverstone defender and goalkeeper, leaving enough time for Davies to sandwich between them and find the back of the net.
The well oiled machine of the competition’s champions-in-wait went on to control the play, finding tried and trusted passages through the midfield. The Reds had a handful to deal with already, only to have their hand forced with a substitution and formation shuffle following caution in substituting Tiela Weeda who had suffered a head knock ten minutes in.
Half chances for Ulverstone turned to full opportunities for Olympia. A hospital back pass and ball watching providing moments to extend the scoreline in the Warriors favour. However as time passed, the tempo waned with play turning scrappy.
Security for Olympia arrived with five minutes left in the half. Davies darted down the left, struck a near post shot that wound up in the path of her attacking partner. Cane from a close distance secured the tap in comfortably to double the lead.
A final opportunity would cap off the first half as a timely run saw Olivia Bomford with space in behind the defence. The resulting 1v1 with the goalkeeper provided the midfielder a prime opportunity but her composure was missing on this occasion as Bomford scuffed the shot to the left of the goal frame.
Second half momentum remained with Olympia, despite lacking the earlier bite in attack. Half chances flowed, but Leah Gubb was the true challenger, grabbing the match with both hands to provide the opportunities of the half. A handful of shots at the top of the area and a headed chance showing her intent but the midfielder couldn’t find the killer blow.
The match opened up as time dwindled on. The Warriors were in the driving seat and were sending teasing invitations for Ulverstone to come back into the match. The Reds simply couldn’t find the final ball in attack to make Olympia uncomfortable, despite occasions of positive combinations from one end to the other. Ultimately defenders were the winners, with the half producing no goals.
One final opportunity of the game landed for Ulverstone, with Olympia’s earlier substitutions signaling a belief the match was already wrapped up. A corner landed landed at the feet of Lucy Reimer but the effort replicated the Red’s attacking tune of the day in being off the mark.
The business end of the season has well and truly arrived. Olympia’s win only assures the likely result of the title. While the scrap for the prized third place continues for Ulverstone.
With their superior goal difference, the win now leaves the Warriors likely needing just one more point and could even potentially be crowned as soon as tomorrow with a Clarence Zebras slip up against Kingborough Lions.