Determined Doggies Too Strong For Easts
Image supplied by Alan Minifie
Capalaba FC has made it two wins on the bounce in the National Premier Leagues Women’s after doggedly edging out Eastern Suburbs 3-2 on Sunday.
Natasha Wheeler, Natalie Tathem and Amy Chapman shared in the spoils at John Fredericks Park as the Bulldogs confidently side saw off a late fightback from the visitors to post their fifth win of the campaign.
The result moves Skie Hanifin’s side into fifth on the NPLW Queensland ladder ahead of their upcoming midweek home clash with Lions FC.
Looking to extend their unbeaten home record, the Bulldogs were assertive early and opened accounts on ten minutes when Wheeler headed in strongly at the back post from Tathem’s corner – her first of two assists for her on the night.
The visitors’ reply proved swift as they pulled level seven minutes later against the run of play as Tessa Andujar’s crafty lob finished a sharp Easts counter-attack.
Despite the setback the Bulldogs remained industrious and restored their lead from the penalty spot midway through the half after Easts defender Kaho Oshima handled Stephanie Latham’s cross.
Unfazed after seeing her initial attempt saved by Easts goalkeeper Julia Duffy, Tathem assuredly drilled home the retake for her second goal of the campaign.
The patient hosts defended firmly on the lead until the half, but spurned the chance to put the contest to bed on 38 minutes when Tathem couldn’t turn in Torpey’s squared ball.
Chances remained sparse after the restart with a sprayed effort from Easts Lauren Askin the only strike of note before the hour as the contest became increasingly rugged.
Tensions rose further as Hanifin was booked on the bench and then peaked as the Bulldogs shored up their lead in unusual circumstances soon after.
The alert Chapman netted her third goal of the season with a well-weighted lobbed finish after catching the Easts defence flat-footed from a contested drop ball knocked long by Tathem in midfield.
Shots were exchanged by Easts’ Georgina Amos and Chapman before the visitors earned a lifeline with a quarter hour remaining as Wheeler hand-balled just inside the box.
Rosie Sutton converted the resulting penalty and the newly buoyant Easts threatened to come home with a head of steam.
However, the Bulldogs defence remained largely untroubled for the remainder despite goalkeeper Georgina Worth being called on to make telling interventions off her line in injury time.
The Bulldogs are now unbeaten in three matches at home this season and have scored at least three goals on each occasion.
They will have the chance to extend that record on Thursday night when they host second-placed Lions FC.