Understrength Southport defy the odds to draw 2-2 against Brisbane Women’s Premier League leaders UQ
AN “incredible” late fightback against ladder-leading University of Queensland has kept an understrength Southport within touching distance of the Brisbane Women’s Premier League’s top four.
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AN “incredible” late fightback against ladder-leading University of Queensland has kept an understrength Southport within touching distance of the Brisbane Women’s Premier League’s top four.
With a host of players unavailable for Saturday’s Round 16 fixture, the Warriors were forced to draft Lucy Rowell and Meleea Norton – both of whom had already featured in reserve grade - into their side for the trip to St Lucia, but they defied the odds and a two-goal deficit to escape with a 2-2 draw.
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The result, which came courtesy of two Jemima Lockley strikes in the final 10 minutes, keeps Southport within one win of the finals spots.
“It was an incredible fightback,” coach Trent Gregson said.
“Due to all the injuries, illnesses and players being away, we started the game with only nine fresh players but everyone stepped up and played the whole 90 minutes.
“Lucy Rowell played 60 minutes for ressies, then 90 minutes for prems, and Meleea Norton played 60 minutes for ressies and 70 minutes for prems.
“It was Meleea’s debut for prems, a bit of a baptism by fire against the competition front runners. We couldn’t be as strong as we are with our ressies support.
“(We) scored two goals in the last 10 minutes to level it up and were unlucky not to get the winner. Both goals were a result of great following in and finishing rebounds from Nat De Silva’s shots.”
Coomera are now just one point behind Southport after dishing out a 6-0 drubbing to North Brisbane at Viney Park on Saturday night.
Britt Lacek bagged a hat-trick for the hosts, while Laura Hogg, Jess Sayer and Nadine Keast also got on the scoresheet.
Robina City’s home battle against Broadbeach United on Saturday was postponed due to weather.
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The Dolphins will now prepare for their Elaine Watson Cup quarterfinal at home to Southside Eagles at 7.30pm on Wednesday.
Robina are already through to the semi finals after receiving a bye this round.
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