Playing out of their beloved Cromer Park, Manly United were able to earn a resolute 1-0 win over defending Premiers and Champions Macarthur Rams.
The Rams entered Round 2 seeking redemption after losing to APIA Leichhardt on opening day. However, Manly were red-hot after defeating competition newcomers Western Sydney Wanderers 5-1 last weekend, at Wanderers Football Park.
Manly were able to produce a greater number of chances throughout the first half, though the Rams were resilient in withstanding the barrage of Manly attacks. The first clear chance for the hosts came when high pressing resulted in Daisy Arrowsmith going for goal from inside the area, but Rams shot stopper Issabella Coelho made an easy save. Arrowsmith was also involved in Manly’s next opportunity, as her corner found McKaela Schmelzer for a header which was saved.
At the other end, Libby Morris tried for goal from outside the box, shooting straight at Nicole Simonsen.
A high quality team move that started with goalkeeper Simonsen led to the deciding goal in the 55th minute. After Manly cut through the Rams defence with swift passing, Nicole Stuart ran onto Siahn Bozanic’s through ball and produced a moment of individual brilliance, slamming the ball past Coelho and into the bottom corner.
Six minutes later, Phoebe Gilbane nearly scored her second goal in two games, breaking free at a corner and testing Coelho’s reflexes.
With just under 20 minutes remaining, Stuart embarked on a thrilling run and crossed for Emily Minett, who was denied by Coelho’s bravery. About five minutes after that chance for Manly’s 2024 top scorer, Tegan Biasi stung Coelho’s palms from inside the area. Biasi would go even closer to scoring late on, hitting the post from a tight angle.
Manly now have two wins from two to start the 2025 campaign. Next up for Tom Hopley’s side is another game at Cromer Park, against newly-promoted Mt Druitt Town Rangers.
