The Olympia Warriors took a big step towards securing the WSL title with a convincing 3-0 victory over rivals Hobart Zebras at Warrior Park. Madison Chambers scored a hat-trick as the Zebras were kept scoreless for the first time all season and the Warriors lead was extended to four points atop the league table.
Allie Berry was left out of the Zebras starting line-up after a knock at training meant her fitness was questionable but it made no difference to the Zebras early on who found themselves with two glorious opportunities inside the first ten minutes of play. Lily Hulton was given time on the ball in the third minute as she advanced toward Farrow who was caught out of position but the Zebras winger couldn't get her shot on target. It was then Zoe Nichols who had a chance to open the scoring in the sixth minute as a poor back-pass left Farrow high and dry but Nichols' shot from the resultant cross was blazed over the crossbar.
After a cagey fifteen minutes the Warriors broke the deadlock through a classy finish from Chambers. She was played in by Jade Williams and despite Steventon's best efforts to drive her toward the byline, Chambers managed to get a shot away that crept past Cook and nestled inside the back post. At 1-0 up the Warriors took charge of the match, Zebras' only real chance coming from a Burt shot that caught Farrow off guard, the Warriors' goalkeeper doing well to tip the ball over the bar to safety.
The Warriors started to show their class in the wide positions with Chambers and Davies seeing more of the ball and creating more chances as a result, Steventon and Mason did well on a number of occasions to close down the threatening wingers. Despite their best efforts it was the 36th minute when Davies unleashed a powerful effort on goal that Shelly Cook was unable to keep hold of allowing Chambers to pounce on the spillage and fire home a second.
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Chambers ran riot all day-Solstice Photography[/caption]
Going into the break it was understandably the Warriors who were the happier of the two teams but Chris Hey's half time talk kicked the Zebras into gear. They started the second half with aplomb, the introduction of Allie Berry in the 51st minute giving increased firepower as they tried to claw back the two goal deficit. Despite Zebras piling on the pressure it was Olympia who came closest when Williams took a snap shot that was made more dangerous by the attempted clearance by Mason. Mason's header took it over the advanced Cook and the retreating goalkeeper had to reach to punch the goal-bound effort off the line.
Kannegiesser had a chance for the Zebras when a back post cross fell into her path but she flashed the shot wide. Nichols then had a chance just minutes later when another back-pass to Farrow fell short but the Olympia shot-stopper recovered well and managed to steer the ball out for a corner. Despite the Zebras pushing in on goal, Chambers got in behind of the Zebras back four again in the 62nd minute and after breaking away from the pack she confidently steered her effort past Cook to confirm the three points and her hat-trick.
Farrow was brought into action several times in the final fifteen minutes but neither Kannegiesser, Berry or Nichols could get the better of her as Olympia's resounding 3-0 lead stayed in tact. Chambers ran riot in the closing stages as she had all game but was unable to increase the lead for the Warriors as they celebrated their victory on the full time whistle.
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Jenna Farrow was outstanding in net- Solstice Photography[/caption]
The win means second placed Zebras must win out for the rest of the season in order to guarantee the title, including a tantalising Round 20 clash where they host Olympia again at KGV. For the Warriors it means they have the security of being able to match results with the Zebras where a draw on the final match-day will secure them the title.
Chambers ran riot all day-Solstice Photography[/caption]
Going into the break it was understandably the Warriors who were the happier of the two teams but Chris Hey's half time talk kicked the Zebras into gear. They started the second half with aplomb, the introduction of Allie Berry in the 51st minute giving increased firepower as they tried to claw back the two goal deficit. Despite Zebras piling on the pressure it was Olympia who came closest when Williams took a snap shot that was made more dangerous by the attempted clearance by Mason. Mason's header took it over the advanced Cook and the retreating goalkeeper had to reach to punch the goal-bound effort off the line.
Kannegiesser had a chance for the Zebras when a back post cross fell into her path but she flashed the shot wide. Nichols then had a chance just minutes later when another back-pass to Farrow fell short but the Olympia shot-stopper recovered well and managed to steer the ball out for a corner. Despite the Zebras pushing in on goal, Chambers got in behind of the Zebras back four again in the 62nd minute and after breaking away from the pack she confidently steered her effort past Cook to confirm the three points and her hat-trick.
Farrow was brought into action several times in the final fifteen minutes but neither Kannegiesser, Berry or Nichols could get the better of her as Olympia's resounding 3-0 lead stayed in tact. Chambers ran riot in the closing stages as she had all game but was unable to increase the lead for the Warriors as they celebrated their victory on the full time whistle.
[caption id="attachment_12478" align="alignnone" width="596"] Jenna Farrow was outstanding in net- Solstice Photography[/caption]
The win means second placed Zebras must win out for the rest of the season in order to guarantee the title, including a tantalising Round 20 clash where they host Olympia again at KGV. For the Warriors it means they have the security of being able to match results with the Zebras where a draw on the final match-day will secure them the title.